Laurent Mekies warns that we shouldn't "expect miracles" from the Red Bull for Miami

This season, Red Bull aligns a car powered by a Red Bull Powertrains x Ford power unit, which is still struggling to convince. Particularly critical of the F1 2026 Max Verstappen criticizes the new regulations more than the lack of performance of his RB22, claiming he can " very well accept being seventh or eighth ».

After Isack Hadjar's retirement in the opening round, the power unit seems to be hindering the ambitions of both drivers. Besides the engine, the Frenchman, with his usual candor, criticized a car " undriveable "During the Japanese leg, speaking to Canal+.

The F1 calendar, however, offers an unexpected respite to the world champion team. Following the cancellation of the races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Milton Keynes has a month to recover. We need time to correlate track data with wind tunnel and simulator data, test different sensitivities, and all of this can be done outside of race weekends., explained Laurent Mekies, head of Red Bull Racing to Sky Sports F1I don't think we should expect miracles regarding the extent of the reduction in the gap, because it is substantial. »

One month to close the gap

Although the car fielded by Milton Keynes will not be immediately able to compete at the front, the goal is to regain some competitiveness. “What we want is to get back to a car with which our drivers can attack again. Once we are able to push to the maximum, we will assess the real gap with the competition, and the rest will be pure development until the end of the year.” »

After " a step backwards in China Red Bull offered an improved service in Japan. especially during racing ", although remaining the " distant fourth "Strength of the plateau." I don't think it's solely related to the number of turns. (at Suzuka, editor's note). There is a zone where, at certain speeds and cornering conditions, we lose performance compared to what our package is supposed to deliver.. » Telemetry data confirms the performance deficit, with the RB22 conceding more ground to the W17 of the leaders in the corners.

After a month away from the circuits trying to improve the car, the next F1 race will be held in early May in Miami. Does this mean we'll arrive in Miami with a miracle solution and everything will be resolved? No, the French leader tempered expectationsBut again, I am confident that the team will identify the source of the problem and begin making changes as early as Miami."

As for the barbs launched by his star driver since the start of the season, Laurent Mekies remains confident. I'm certain that the moment we give him a fast car, Max will be much happier. he promises. As soon as he has a machine with which he can attack and make a difference, we will see a more smiling Max. »

Oliver Bearman's accident at Suzuka has also reignited criticism of F1 regulations. A joint review is planned during the spring break, concerning regulations that " It has some good sides and others that are more delicate. " according to Laurent Mekies.

In any case, the four-time world champion has chosen to escape the F1 paddock after a frustrating start to the season, far from the frustrations of his current car. He was therefore spotted on the Nordschleife for a private GT test in preparation for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, scheduled for May 14-17, 2026.

No rest for Max Verstappen either, who is already on track at the Nürburgring for a private test. 🤩#F1 #JapaneseGPpic.twitter.com/e6qJyagWPj

— Le Sprint (@LeSprintEdition) March 31, 2026

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