Verstappen and Hadjar Complete Red Bull RB22 Seat Fittings Ahead of Barcelona Test

Red Bull is fully prepared for the 2026 Formula 1 season following the completion of seat fittings for Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar in the new RB22. The Milton Keynes-based outfit has confirmed it will skip a pre-Barcelona shakedown, heading straight to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for next week's official test.

Why it matters:

As the sport prepares for a massive regulatory overhaul in 2026 involving active aerodynamics and increased hybrid power, the initial correlation between the simulator and the track is paramount. Red Bull's strategy of moving directly to the official test suggests a focus on maximizing track time under the new regulations rather than allocating resources to a private filming day.

The details:

• First Look: The team provided a glimpse of the future by posting images of Verstappen and Hadjar in the cockpit on social media, marking the first visual confirmation of the driver lineup in the new chassis.
• Test Structure: The Barcelona event serves as a crucial shakedown, running over five days where teams are permitted three days of running. This will be the RB22's first taste of tarmac.
• Competitor Strategy: Red Bull is not alone in this approach; McLaren has also elected to forgo early running, with the Woking team scheduled to join the action on day two or three of the test.
• 2026 Context: This test is particularly significant as it marks the debut of cars featuring movable wings and 100% sustainable fuel, making the initial feedback from Verstappen and Hadjar vital for development.

What's next:

The paddock will converge on Spain next week to see the 2026 contenders in action. Red Bull's lap times and reliability during this shakedown will provide the first tangible indicator of whether they can maintain their dominance under the fresh set of technical rules.