6 March 2026GP BlogPractice reportDriver Ratings
Verstappen says Red Bull has “a lot of work” after mixed Melbourne practice
Verstappen admitted Red Bull faced “a lot of work” after mixed practice in Melbourne, citing grip problems, a gravel‑induced off and deployment issues with the RB22. The team will analyze data overnight to fix the car before qualifying, a crucial step for their title defence.
Red Bull’s opening weekend in Melbourne was far from smooth. Max Verstappen finished P3 in FP1 but slipped to P6 in FP2 after a gravel‑induced off that left his RB22 with minor damage. Both drivers flagged a lack of clean laps and “issues with deployment,” prompting the team to admit there’s “a lot of work to do” before qualifying.
Why it matters:
- Championship momentum: A shaky start in the season‑opening Grand Prix can ripple through the early points battle, especially for a title‑defending outfit.
- Power‑unit confidence: The RB22’s deployment quirks could hint at broader reliability concerns for the Red Bull‑Ford partnership.
- Driver morale: Verstappen’s candid assessment sets the tone for the crew – transparency now may prevent bigger setbacks later.
The details:
- FP1 performance: Verstappen P3, Isack Hadjar P4 – both just behind the Ferraris, showing raw pace.
- FP2 setback: Verstappen struggled out of the pit lane, slid onto gravel, and returned to the garage. Damage was minor but “enough to keep us busy,” said engineering chief Paul Monaghan.
- Driver feedback: Hadjar noted the RB22 “struggled with deployment,” making consistent laps difficult in the second session.
- Engine reliability: Despite the off, Hadjar praised the Ford power unit’s overall reliability in FP1, calling it “solid throughout the day.”
- Team response: Monaghan confirmed the team will analyze data overnight to fine‑tune setup, grip levels and deployment logic before qualifying.
What's next:
- Qualifying focus: Red Bull will aim for a clean, high‑downforce run on Saturday, hoping to translate FP1 speed into a strong grid position.
- Development window: Any lingering deployment issues will be addressed in the limited practice time left, with engineers likely tweaking software maps and suspension settings.
- Season outlook: If the team can iron out these early hiccups, Verstappen remains a favorite for the championship; if not, rivals may capitalize on the opening‑week gap.