Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen experienced his first time driving the Red Bull RB22 during preseason testing, which took place amid challenges on day two at the Milton Keynes facility. The Dutchman’s debut was overshadowed by a crash involving Red Bull’s reserve driver Isack Hadjar, causing significant disruption to the team’s preparations.
Red Bull had unveiled the RB22 earlier this month in Detroit alongside their Racing Bulls team. This new car marks a milestone, as it is the first Red Bull vehicle to incorporate a power unit developed in-house with assistance from Ford. However, the crash during the second day of testing complicated the team’s plans.
Initial Testing Progress and Impact of Weather Conditions
On the first day of testing, Red Bull was among seven teams to participate, with Isack Hadjar completing both sessions in the RB22 without incident. Day one proceeded smoothly, providing valuable data. Only Red Bull and Ferrari continued running on day two, despite challenging weather that limited track time.
During the second session on day two, Hadjar lost control at Turn 14 and collided with the barrier, triggering a red flag about 30 minutes before the session’s end. This accident curtailed the opportunity to gather critical performance and reliability data that would have been essential for finalizing the car’s setup.
Because Hadjar had already driven three times, Verstappen remains scheduled to handle both sessions on Red Bull’s final testing day, though the crash will require repairs that may affect the team’s readiness. Nevertheless, Red Bull retains the flexibility to designate any of the three remaining testing days as their final one, softening the immediate impact of the setback.
Verstappen’s First Laps in the RB22 at Barcelona Testing
On day two, Verstappen took the wheel of the 2026-spec RB22 for the first time, completing roughly 30 laps during the morning session. Early in his outlap, the Dutchman experienced a minor off-track excursion at Turn 5, spinning into the gravel and bringing the session to a temporary halt with red flags.
Fortunately, this incident did not cause substantial damage, allowing Verstappen to return the car to the pits safely. The five-minute red flag pause was followed by a resumption of activity, during which Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc remained the only drivers on track.
Shortly after one hour into the session, rain arrived, forcing both drivers to switch to wet-weather tires. Despite the conditions, they managed to complete several laps. Importantly, the new Red Bull PowerTrains (RBPT) engine co-developed with Ford performed reliably, drawing praise from competitors such as George Russell, who commended the progress of the unit.
Significance of Testing and What Lies Ahead for Red Bull
The RB22’s launch represents a crucial step for Red Bull as they aim for continued dominance in Formula 1 with a newly developed power unit. The crash and weather-related interruptions have undoubtedly hindered their testing schedule, but the team’s ability to adapt and the robustness of the new engine provide optimism moving forward.
Verstappen’s initial laps, including managing challenges on track, offer valuable insights as Red Bull prepares for the upcoming season. The capacity to choose the final testing day among several options affords some strategic leeway, allowing the team to recover from the delays caused by the crash and finalize their preparations. With Red Bull and Ferrari being the only teams to test during difficult conditions, early season competitiveness remains to be seen as testing concludes.
