Max Verstappen topped Friday’s FP1 at Spa-Francorchamps, propelling Red Bull’s RB22 into a promising operating zone and giving the Dutchman a clear edge on the start‑linespace.
Red Bull’s Early Dominance and Energy Management
While Red Bull had anticipated a tough weekend due to the circuit’s emphasis on battery usage, the first practice suggested otherwise. Verstappen’s lap times were the fastest of the group, illustrating the RB22’s balanced setup at this point.
In the second session, the gap widened, with Verstappen finishing half a second behind Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes. “It’s been alright,” he said, noting that the car “has been quite in a good window.” Yet he admitted that the power‑unit remains marginal on Spa’s long straights, hinting at lingering electrical shortcomings.
Technical Tuning and Downshift Issues
The driver also flagged sub‑standard downshift feel during both sessions. “Unacceptable,” he reported on the radio, later explaining that a software update had initially unsettled the shifts before the car adjusted. These nuances were invisible on the track but are part of Red Bull’s finer adjustments to maximize lap time.
With the rigours of Spa’s energy‑stressed layout, the RB22’s performance in energy regeneration will be closely scrutinised ahead of the race. The drivers’ comments underscore a cautious optimism, as the team remains intent on tightening the final mechanical elements.
Rear Wing Adjustments and Future Outlook
Red Bull have temporarily abandoned the rotating rear‑wing concept after crashes at Spielberg and Silverstone. The conventional wing, while incurring a small drag penalty, will stay in place for today’s race. “It just opens differently,” Verstappen said, emphasising that the change won’t be decisive this weekend. The team hopes to re‑introduce the concept, once it’s been refined, at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
With a restrictive Sunday weekend approaching, the RB22’s middle‑of‑the‑pack performance will be the barometer for Red Bull’s overall power‑train reliability and strategic planning.
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