Red Bull Racing revs up for 2026 with Bahrain pre-season testing
Red Bull Racing has kicked off preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season with pre-season testing in Bahrain. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar took to the track, despite a minor setback involving Hadjar's crash earlier in the week. Both drivers are now focused on fine-tuning the team's new RB22 car ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The first test session faced a brief interruption when Isack Hadjar crashed the RB22 on Tuesday. The team worked quickly to replace damaged parts, and by Friday, the car was back on track and fully operational.
Verstappen, who had been sidelined since Tuesday morning due to wet conditions, returned to driving duties. He completed numerous laps, gathering valuable data on the final day of testing. Despite battling a cold, he remains confident of full fitness before the season opener.
The Dutchman described the new Red Bull Ford powertrain as a work in progress but acknowledged a promising start. Red Bull has already logged significant mileage with the updated engine, suggesting a solid foundation for the months ahead. The team will now prepare for the season's return to Bahrain in a few weeks.
The pre-season test provided Red Bull with key insights into the RB22's performance. Verstappen's recovery from illness and Hadjar's quick return to action ensure both drivers are ready for the season ahead. The team now shifts focus to final adjustments before racing resumes in Bahrain.
