Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has issued a candid prediction for the start of the 2026 season, suggesting his Red Bull team will be confined to the garage for much of the initial pre-season running.
Garage Over Grip: Verstappen's Barcelona Forecast
Verstappen anticipates that the first pre-season test, scheduled for Barcelona, will see the reigning champions grappling with their new machinery rather than piling on the laps. The Dutch driver pointed to the sweeping new chassis and engine regulations as the primary reason, with Red Bull embarking on the colossal project of building its own power unit for the first time.
This new engine is being developed in partnership with American automotive titan Ford, a collaboration that adds another layer of complexity to the team's preparations. Verstappen admitted to significant uncertainty surrounding the performance and reliability of the new package, hoping for clearer answers after the subsequent tests in Bahrain.
Unveiling a New Era in Detroit
Despite the technical unknowns, Red Bull is poised to be the first of the eleven teams to reveal its 2026 contender's look. The team will showcase its new car livery in Detroit, USA, marking a symbolic start to its deepened ties with Ford and the new regulatory era.
Verstappen, who saw his run of four consecutive drivers' championships end in 2025, remains under contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2028 season. His experience will be crucial as the team navigates this pivotal transition.
The Road to Melbourne
The ultimate proving ground for all the winter development will be the opening race of the 2026 season. The campaign is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March 2026. The two pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain will therefore be critical, if potentially frustrating, sessions for Verstappen and Red Bull as they aim to unlock the potential of their radically new car and power unit from the very first race.
Verstappen's prediction underscores the immense challenge facing all teams under the 2026 rules, but particularly those like Red Bull who are managing a dual development project of both chassis and a first-ever in-house engine.
