Verstappen Skips Monday's Barcelona Test; Hadjar Takes the Wheel for Red Bull

Core summary Red Bull's brand‑new RB22 hit the track at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya on Monday, but Max Verstappen didn't complete a single lap. French rookie Isack Hadjar ran the full session, set the fastest time and will continue to log miles as the team works through its three‑day testing allowance.

Why it matters:

• Driver feedback – Verstappen’s input is vital for shaping the 2026 car, and missing the first shakedown delays crucial data collection.
• Depth of talent – Hadjar’s pace shows Red Bull’s junior driver pipeline can deliver competitive runs when the lead driver is unavailable.
• Weather risk – Forecast rain on Tuesday means the team could lose another testing day, squeezing the window for on‑track development.

The details:

• Testing window – The pre‑season test runs over five days (Monday‑Friday); each team may use up to three days of actual track time.
• RB22 debut – Red Bull unveiled the 2026 chassis and power‑unit package earlier on Monday; the car had not completed any shakedowns before the session.
• Verstappen’s absence – The Dutch champion skipped both the morning and afternoon runs. No updated schedule has been announced for his first laps.
• Hadjar’s performance – The Frenchman topped the timesheets, beating the rest of the field and extending his stint into the second half of the day.
• Weather outlook – Rain is expected on Tuesday, making a second on‑track run unlikely and pushing the team to maximise Monday’s data.

What's next:

• First laps for Verstappen – Red Bull will aim to get the champion into the RB22 before the official pre‑season test at Jerez in February, if weather permits.
• Focus on set‑up – Remaining testing days will concentrate on aerodynamic balance and power‑unit integration, using the limited track time efficiently.
• Simulation backup – Should further rain block on‑track sessions, Red Bull will lean heavily on CFD and driver simulators to fill the data gap.

Red Bull now faces a tight schedule to turn the RB22 into a race‑ready contender for the 2026 season.