Max Verstappen says fighting for a win the hardest step Red Bull Racing will have to make

Red Bull Racing have had to deal with challenges on several fronts in 2026. Not only did they have to build a new chassis to new regulations, but they have also built an F1 power unit for the first time in their history.

While Red Bull and Ford have done a decent job with their DM01 power unit, the FIA controversially ruling their Internal Combustion Engine is the best on the grid, the RB22 chassis has been found wanting with bad balance and extra weight.

While an upgrade in Miami improved the situation a bit, Verstappen struggled in Barcelona, the ultimate test of an F1 car with the perfect balance seemingly elusive.

For their home race this weekend, Red Bull Racing have another upgrade for the RB22, but Verstappen warned that continuous development will help improve the car; reaching a point where fighting for wins is possible will be the toughest challenge for his team.

He said: “Those are, of course, also the easier steps to make when you're far behind. The hardest step is always the last one, to really fight for the win.

“So let's see how we can do that to be in that fight again. I'm not sure [if that can happen this weekend]. But for sure, the team is always giving it 100% and pushing flat out to make the car faster.

“But we know that other teams are also constantly bringing upgrades. So we just need to always try and find a little bit more to try and close that gap.

"It was quite clear in Barcelona that there was still a gap, so hopefully it can be a bit better this weekend," he added.

Dissecting the RB22's issues, the Dutchman added: “It's a combination of things that we need to get on top of. We were a bit worried about the high-speed, but I think it's a general balance thing.

“We know the car is heavy; plus, we just need to find more downforce, more grip, and better kerb riding. All these kind of things that can make a difference to improve our car," Verstappen concluded. (Source: Motorsport.com)