Red Bull Racing's technical director Pierre Wache stated during the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain that the team is currently behind Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren. Despite praise for their new power unit, Wache highlighted ongoing weaknesses in low-speed traction. New driver Isack Hadjar expressed confidence in achieving race wins this season.
The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing concluded in Bahrain with Red Bull Racing acknowledging it is not the frontrunner. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had called Red Bull the 'benchmark,' but Pierre Wache dismissed this, saying, 'We are not the benchmark for sure. We clearly see the top three teams; Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren are in front of us.' He noted the difficulty in precise comparisons due to varying fuel loads and run plans, adding, 'This is currently our analysis – that it could be wrong to be honest.'
Wache pointed to persistent issues from the previous year, particularly in 'traction at low speed and medium-speed corners,' where rivals appear stronger. He also mentioned impressive straight-line speeds from Ferrari and Mercedes on low fuel. On the power unit side, Wache praised the Red Bull-Ford collaboration: 'To be able, as a start-up – because it is a start-up of three and a half years – to make an engine, to not be stupid on the track is a massive achievement.' Max Verstappen hinted at Mercedes sandbagging, stating, 'Just wait until Melbourne and see how much power they suddenly find. I already know that right now.'
Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old replacing Yuki Tsunoda, completed 86 laps on the final day despite a morning hydraulic leak and set the fifth-fastest time in the afternoon. Hadjar voiced optimism: 'Obviously, that first race win is on the radar - that would be great,' and confirmed confidence in the RB22 with a sharp 'yeah.' He brushed off comparisons to past teammates' struggles, sarcastically noting his Barcelona shakedown crash: 'I'm screwed for the whole season' and that's how I moved on.' Wache added that the team has a 'good starting point' and plans upgrades soon, though he is not 'fully happy' with the performance. Overall testing saw Mercedes as the fastest team across three days.