Verstappen predicts Red Bull will prioritize garage analysis over track time in 2026 Barcelona test

Max Verstappen anticipates a cautious start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, predicting that Red Bull will spend the majority of the opening pre-season test in Barcelona stationary in the garage. With radical new technical regulations and the team's debut of its own in-house power unit, the three-time world champion admits the entire grid is currently in the dark regarding performance potential.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a massive reset for the sport, introducing new chassis and engine regulations that threaten to completely shuffle the competitive order. For Red Bull, the transition to their own Red Bull Powertrains—developed in partnership with Ford—is a critical gamble. How effectively the team interprets initial data during these early, closed-door sessions could define their ability to defend their title against resurgent competitors like Ferrari and Mercedes.

The details:

• Strategy of Caution: Verstappen told Blick that during the Barcelona test running from January 26-30, the team will likely spend more time analyzing data in the garage than racking up laps on track.
• Unknown Variables: "None of us have any idea about the new car or the engine," Verstappen stated. Despite visiting the factory, he emphasized that everyone is "still in the dark" regarding how the new package will perform.
• Power Unit Debut: This test marks the first time Red Bull will run with a power unit built entirely at their Milton Keynes facility, a project where Ford has provided assistance. The engine is expected to be a dominant factor in the new pecking order.

What's next:

Teams will reconvene in Bahrain for a second test in February. Verstappen remains hopeful that after analyzing the findings from Barcelona, the team will be "a bit wiser" and have a clearer understanding of their true competitiveness before the season opener.