Max Verstappen's fifth place in the Miami Grand Prix does not reflect RB22 true pace

Red Bull Racing targeted several changes on the RB22 in Miami as they tried to sort out steering issues that hampered Verstappen's driving while also reducing the weight of the car that was reportedly over 12 kg overweight.

It seems that the new package successfully addressed these two problems, as Red Bull Racing also introduced their own version of the "Macarena" rear wing first seen on Ferrari's SF-26.

“Yes, it delivered what we expected," Red Bull Racing's technical director Pierre Wache said. "It's just the package itself that has delivered.

"And after we fixed some other issues, that has also brought some [extra] Max performance that maybe we didn't expect," he added, referring to the steering issue.

While the RB22's weight has reportedly dropped by 6 kg, Wache admitted the team is looking to shed 6 kg more, which will not be soon.

“We have to wait a little bit longer, just a little step for Montreal,” he said of the next RB22 upgrade, and as for the weight, he added: "I think there will be another step. I don't know when, but we will have a weight reduction happening for maybe Austria.”

While Verstappen qualified second for the Miami Grand Prix, an uncharacteristic spin on Lap 1 meant that he dropped down the order as the four-time Formula 1 Champion ultimately recovered to finish fifth.

Wache admits disappointment, insisting the RB22 had potential for a better result; he said: “It’s not easy, but I'm for sure disappointed with the result.

"I think the result doesn't show our pace. But it's good for the team to show that the car has some pace on it and that we are in the mix again," he concluded. (Source: Motorsport)