P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Karun Chandhok has praised Red Bull for “going out on a limb” with it’s “funky” RB22 F1 design despite losing out on Adrian Newey’s services.
Sky Sports’ Karun Chandhok has praised Red Bull for taking a risk with the unique RB22 Formula 1 design, even without Adrian Newey’s expertise. The team is now a works team in F1 for the first time in its history, powered by the DM-01 engine developed with Ford. Chandhok was impressed by the innovative aerodynamic design of the RB22 during private testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Red Bull faces a new era without Newey, Horner, and Marko, who were instrumental in the team’s success. Laurent Mekies and Ben Hodgkinson are now leading the technical side of the team, facing their most ambitious project yet. Despite initial concerns, RB22 seems competitive with good mileage and performance in Barcelona, indicating a positive turnaround from 2025.
Chandhok believes this new momentum has inspired Red Bull to take a bold approach in the 2026 season, signaling a potential resurgence for the team. The RB22’s development represents a significant shift in leadership and innovation within Red Bull Racing, as they strive to continue their success without their previous key figures.
