Max Verstappen showed cautious optimism after Red Bull’s initial shakedown of their 2026 Formula 1 car in Barcelona, according to Nelson Piquet Jr., who is closely connected to the driver. Verstappen was impressed by the car’s ability to cover a significant number of laps right from the start, signaling promising reliability for the new season.
Verstappen faces a crucial year as his current championship streak has ended, Red Bull rolls out its first in-house power unit, and rumors swirl about a possible move to Mercedes or Aston Martin in 2027. Therefore, early testing data is under intense scrutiny to gauge Red Bull’s competitiveness.
Positive Impressions Despite Testing Challenges
Piquet Jr., speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, revealed that Verstappen was particularly struck by the distance the RB 2026 car was able to travel without issues.
“He was amazed at how far the team had come with the new car,”
said Piquet.
“Max is sometimes a pessimist, but here he noted that they were able to complete more than 100 laps straight away. He was delighted with how much the car had done since leaving the pits.”
Verstappen’s testing was notable considering the circumstances, as his rookie teammate, Isack Hadjar, suffered a crash early in the week. Verstappen returned for the final day despite reportedly battling flu symptoms, underscoring his commitment to the program.
Performance Data Remains Uncertain Amid Strategic Caution
Piquet cautioned against reading too much into lap times recorded at Barcelona, highlighting the careful approach teams are taking because of potential FIA regulations and monitoring.
“The balance of power hasn’t yet been determined,”
he explained.
“Teams have been slowing down to avoid political problems with the FIA. They’re keeping an eye on teams that seem to have a significant advantage, so many teams have eased off the gas significantly.”
This strategic holding back appears especially true among the frontrunners, with rumors suggesting that Mercedes may have made more advanced technological gains than others, leading them to stay discreet in the early tests.
“In terms of speed, it’s hard to say anything,”
Piquet added.
“Everyone is holding back a little. Especially, according to the rumors, Mercedes’ technology may have developed further than others, so they’re also not standing out.”
Focus Remains on Car Durability and Upcoming Tests
Verstappen did not publicly comment on Hadjar’s crash but concentrated on the overall progress and resilience of the new car.
“All in all, Max was positively surprised,”
Piquet noted.
“But really by the number of laps the car managed from the moment it came out of the pit box.”
Attention is now shifting to the Bahrain test sessions, which are expected to offer clearer insights. According to De Telegraaf, Verstappen will drive all day Wednesday during the first official group test in Bahrain, with Hadjar scheduled for Thursday before both share Friday’s running. A second three-day test is planned for February 18 to 20, shortly before the season opener in Australia.
Implications for Verstappen and Red Bull’s 2026 Campaign
Verstappen’s positive reaction to the durability of the 2026 car provides an encouraging outlook for Red Bull’s upcoming season, especially given the team’s switch to a new power unit and Verstappen’s challenging circumstances. While outright speed remains obscured by cautious testing, the stability and reliability marks a hopeful foundation as the season approaches. The forthcoming Bahrain tests will be crucial in revealing how competitive Verstappen Red Bull 2026 car truly is relative to rivals such as Mercedes and Aston Martin, and will likely influence strategies as the championship battle unfolds.
