Hadjar praises Red Bull's 2026 RB22 as 'easier to push to the limit'

Red Bull's new recruit Isack Hadjar has delivered an early and promising verdict on the team's 2026 Formula 1 car, the RB22, after the first pre-season test in Bahrain, suggesting the Milton Keynes squad may have a strong foundation for the new season.

Why it matters:

A positive initial review from a driver, especially one stepping up from a sister team, is a crucial early indicator of a car's potential. Combined with strong reliability from the brand-new in-house Ford power unit, it signals Red Bull may have avoided the pitfalls that often plague teams under new regulations, positioning them as a serious threat from the opening race.

The details:

• Driver Feedback: After testing last year's car in Abu Dhabi, Hadjar immediately noted the RB22 feels "easier to push to the limit." He described it as generally slower, lighter, and smaller, with familiar handling in low-to-medium speed corners but a distinct character in high-speed sections.
• Power Unit Reliability: The new Red Bull-Ford powertrain has impressed with its durability. Hadjar completed over 130 laps in Bahrain, and teammate Max Verstappen logged 197, despite a minor hydraulic issue. Hadjar stated the PU seems "reliable, powerful" and is performing "a bit better than we hoped for."
• Team Confidence: Verstappen echoed the optimism, humorously noting that simply not exploding was a positive start for a new manufacturer. He acknowledged there is "a lot to learn" but believes the team is "heading in the right direction."

What's next:

With more testing scheduled in Bahrain, Red Bull will focus on refining the car's balance and tyre understanding. The early signs point to a package that is fundamentally sound and reliable, which could provide a significant advantage when the season officially begins in Australia in March.