Max Verstappen
Red Bull struggles with car balance in Japanese GP practice
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Red Bull's Formula 1 team encountered significant balance issues during Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, leaving drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar well off the pace. Team principal Laurent Mekies described the squad as 'very far' from the frontrunners, citing fundamental problems with the RB22 car. Verstappen warned there is 'no easy fix' for the woes.
In the latest chapter of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations discussion, Lewis Hamilton has praised the new rules as delivering 'what racing should be,' contrasting with earlier criticisms from Max Verstappen. Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver emphasized increased overtakes and close battles, despite recent FIA tweaks to energy management.
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Max Verstappen refused to participate in a Formula 1 press conference at Suzuka until Guardian reporter Giles Richards left the room. The Dutch driver stated, “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident stems from tensions over past media coverage.
Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has expressed mixed feelings about his future in the sport amid dissatisfaction with the upcoming 2026 regulations. While stating he does not want to leave, he finds more enjoyment in endurance racing pursuits. Discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA aim to address his concerns over the more hybridized power units.
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Max Verstappen has shared proposals with the FIA to address concerns over the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations following the Australian Grand Prix. Drivers have criticized the 'yo-yo racing' caused by energy management, which led to artificial overtakes and safety issues at the start. Verstappen hopes for changes to make racing more natural, while confirming he does not plan to leave the sport.
Isack Hadjar has been promoted to the Red Bull team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he will partner Max Verstappen. Former Red Bull drivers Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have expressed support for Hadjar's potential success. They highlight his talent and the upcoming regulation changes as positive factors.
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Formula 1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, have expressed frustration with the 2026 regulations during pre-season testing in Bahrain, describing the cars as requiring more management than pure driving. Red Bull's Verstappen likened the experience to 'Formula E on steroids,' while others like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso echoed similar sentiments. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remains confident that opinions will evolve as teams adapt.
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