Verstappen 'Surprised' by Early Reliability of Red Bull's 2026 F1 Car

Nelson Piquet Jr. has revealed that Max Verstappen was positively "surprised" by the early reliability and progress of Red Bull's new RB22 car during its first pre-season test, hinting at a strong initial foundation for the team's 2026 campaign.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's reaction is a notable data point as Red Bull embarks on its first season using its own in-house power unit. After years of dominance with Honda-derived engines, the team's ability to produce a reliable and competitive car from the outset with its new powertrain is critical to maintaining its position at the front of the grid.

The details:

• Piquet Jr., speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, shared that Verstappen was impressed with how far the team had progressed with the new car so early in testing.
• He noted that Verstappen, who sometimes has a "pessimistic view," indicated the car could have already completed a significant number of laps.
• The four-time champion was reportedly "really surprised at the number of laps the car completed when it first left the pit box on day one," highlighting initial reliability.
• Piquet Jr. avoided commenting on comparative pace, emphasizing that teams are deliberately conservative ("sandbagging") during these early tests to avoid drawing premature regulatory scrutiny from the FIA.

What's next:

The true performance picture will only become clear as pre-season testing continues and teams gradually reveal their hands. Verstappen's early confidence in the car's reliability, however, suggests Red Bull has avoided major initial setbacks with its new power unit—a crucial first step in what promises to be a pivotal season for the team's long-term engine project.