Max Verstappen confirmed that Red Bull’s RB22 still loses grip on uneven surfaces, a flaw that could prove costly when the calendar reaches the narrow streets of Monaco.
Canadian Grand Prix exposed the car’s sensitivity to bumps and kerbs
Speaking to Dutch outlets after the Montreal race, Verstappen explained that any circuit with pronounced irregularities challenges the team’s current aerodynamic philosophy. He noted that the setup balance between suspension travel and downforce optimisation remains “not quite optimal,” even though the track in Miami felt smoother and allowed a marginally better configuration.
Laurent Mekies says a fix is feasible before 2026
Team principal Laurent Mekies responded to Motorsport.com, insisting that no obstacle has been identified that cannot be addressed within the 2026 development window. He emphasized that engineers are crunching data at the factory to produce a solution that not only eliminates the bounce but also preserves, if not improves, outright lap‑time performance. “A quick remedy might slow the car, so we aim for a fix that adds speed,” Mekies clarified.
Future circuits may test the progress
Red Bull hopes to solidify the remedy before the next wave of bumpy venues, including Baku’s street layout, Singapore’s tight turns, and the Las Vegas strip. However, Verstappen remains cautious, admitting the team still lacks a definitive diagnosis and is formulating ideas to tackle the issue. The driver’s jest about ordering a new rear wing for Monaco underscored the seriousness of the kerb‑handling problem on high‑stress, low‑margin circuits.
While the RB22’s low‑ride, stiff‑suspension setup from the ground‑effect era has always been a double‑edged sword, the current regulation set reduces the emphasis on ride height, theoretically easing the problem. Nevertheless, the persistent bounce indicates a deeper linkage to the car’s overall philosophy, a factor both driver and principal acknowledge will shape Red Bull’s competitive edge through the remainder of the season.
Should the technical department deliver a balanced solution, Red Bull could transform its current Achilles’ heel into a competitive advantage at the upcoming street races, preserving its championship aspirations.
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