Red Bull acknowledges Verstappen's car issue won't be fixed until 2027
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 8:13 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Red Bull Racing confirmed that Max Verstappen's complaints regarding car degradation will not be resolved until at least 2027. Verstappen has described the RB22 as ‘a car made of paper,’ particularly affected during qualifying sessions and races due to rear axle issues. Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that this problem has persisted for several seasons despite the introduction of a new car in 2026. Mekies noted that while some progress has been made, substantial redesigns will be necessary, limiting any fixes this season. The team's focus will gradually shift toward 2027 solutions.
- •Verstappen has complained about car performance degradation throughout 2026.
- •Mekies stated that significant fixes can't occur until the 2027 season.
- •The RB22's issues particularly affect the rear axle during race sessions.
- •Red Bull aims to learn from recent races but acknowledges limitations this season.
- •Failure to win this year would mark Verstappen's first season without a Grand Prix victory since 2015.
- 8:13 AMAutosport — Red Bull admits Verstappen's mysterious car issue cannot be fully fixed until 2027
- 8:06 AMMotorsport.com — Red Bull admits Max Verstappen's mysterious car issue cannot be fully fixed until 2027
- 8:06 AMYahoo Sports — Red Bull admits Max Verstappen's mysterious car issue cannot be fully fixed until 2027
"During several weekends this season, Verstappen has complained that the Red Bull Formula 1 car gets worse over the course of a session or race. It usually happens at the rear axle, including during qualifying at Monza, where Verstappen called the RB22 "a car made of paper". Notably, the four-time world champion added that he has been complaining about this internally for years. According ...Keep reading
"During several weekends this Formula 1 season, Verstappen has complained that the Red Bull car gets worse over the course of a session or race. It usually happens at the rear axle, including during qualifying at Monza, where Verstappen called the RB22 "a car made of paper". Notably, the four-time world champion added that he has been complaining about this internally for years. According ...Keep reading
"Laurent Mekies acknowledges that Red Bull does indeed suffer from 'car degradation' during F1 weekends. The Milton Keynes-based team has learned several lessons, although the issue cannot be fully fixed with this year's car
Sources
External links- AutosportSep 21, 2026, 8:13 AMRed Bull admits Verstappen's mysterious car issue cannot be fully fixed until 2027
During several weekends this season, Verstappen has complained that the Red Bull Formula 1 car gets worse over the course of a session or race. It usually happens at the rear axle, including during qualifying at Monza, where Verstappen called the RB22 "a car made of paper". Notably, the four-time world champion added that he has been complaining about this internally for years. According ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comSep 21, 2026, 8:06 AMRed Bull admits Max Verstappen's mysterious car issue cannot be fully fixed until 2027
During several weekends this Formula 1 season, Verstappen has complained that the Red Bull car gets worse over the course of a session or race. It usually happens at the rear axle, including during qualifying at Monza, where Verstappen called the RB22 "a car made of paper". Notably, the four-time world champion added that he has been complaining about this internally for years. According ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 8:06 AMRed Bull admits Max Verstappen's mysterious car issue cannot be fully fixed until 2027
Laurent Mekies acknowledges that Red Bull does indeed suffer from 'car degradation' during F1 weekends. The Milton Keynes-based team has learned several lessons, although the issue cannot be fully fixed with this year's car
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