The impossible F1 conundrum facing Red Bull in 2026

Red Bull heads into the 2026 F1 season, like its 10 rivals, presented with a blank sheet of paper to work from.

The clean slate of revamped power unit and chassis regulations is a daunting prospect, but it also provides considerable opportunity.

But how the Milton Keynes-based squad uses this fresh start is one of the most intriguing narratives heading into the campaign, and how its ultimate decision unfolds will be equally compelling.

In seasons past, the six-time F1 constructors' champion has developed its car in the direction favoured by Max Verstappen.

It was an approach that made perfect sense, as he led the team to its two most recent crowns — in 2022 and 2023 — and won four drivers' titles of his own.

However, it has increasingly come with a cost. Despite winning the championship in 2024, Verstappen alone could not help the team stay atop the constructors' standings — and it stayed third last year, too.

When Daniel Ricciardo left for Renault, a string of team-mates struggled to adapt to the idiosyncrasies of the Red Bull cars.

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez (eventually), Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda came and failed to acquiesce with the nervous, oversteer-heavy machines that operated on a knife-edge — which is exactly how Verstappen liked them.

But now, with Laurent Mekies, not Christian Horner, at the helm, will the Frenchman choose to change tack? It is the best opportunity to, as it is at the start of a regulations cycle, and Verstappen will have a new team-mate in Isack Hadjar.

However, whichever development direction Red Bull goes in, there will be drawbacks. Keep doing what it has been, expect similar results.

The 21-year-old may be better equipped to handle the unusual preferences of Verstappen than those who have come before him, but the unique driving style of the 71-time grand prix winner is to the extreme.

Going for a neutral approach will be better for Hadjar, but it will not necessarily get the maximum out of Verstappen. And the third option explicitly compromises the Dutchman in favour of helping Hadjar perform at his best.

So, with that in mind, how should Red Bull approach the development of its new car, presumably called the RB22?

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