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https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/6074/"The week has been positive, with a full day with Max and a lot of time dedicated to testing, during which we worked to understand the car and the direction to take with the power unit.
Unfortunately, on the second day, we encountered some hydraulic issues with the chassis, which compromised Isack in the morning, but we were able to make up for lost time in the afternoon. This morning, with Max, we evaluated the setups and found a good direction to follow, just as Isack did this afternoon.
The mileage covered this week is quite positive. We need to ensure that the car continues to evolve in order to improve its balance, and we know there is still a lot of room for progress. Our drivers are very motivated and have given us a lot of feedback on areas to improve and the direction to take for development.
Overall, Red Bull Ford Powertrains has done a remarkable job for a start-up: in three and a half years, we have created a power unit and put it on track, which is fantastic. The next step is to see where we stand compared to the others and to improve.
Some teams were clearly very fast today, and it seems we are lagging behind; there is still a lot to improve. Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari are in the lead. It's a huge learning curve, there are many unknowns, and a lot to do.
We have assessed our weaknesses and strengths and are focusing solely on improving the car. Next week, we will approach it by looking for what we can bring to the car to improve it and resolve the issues we have identified."
I think it's going to be a problem...
https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-wa ... /10797444/With ground effect cars in 2022 you started overweight, starting a rather effective weight loss plan. Are you in a similar position this time too, considering that the regulation allows a cut of 30 kilos?
"Yes. Like everyone after winter, we try to reduce weight. We have some problems with the minimum weight, but that's the case for everyone. Maybe some have done a better job than us, but we should drop a bit of weight, since we will lose weight race by race. We will not reach the limit, but we are starting from a smaller gap than in 2022".
I don't mind it. I mean it is better to have their current pace at X kg overweight, than being in the same position but be at the weight limit. It is just potential free laptime whenever they can shed a few kg off.
Grand slams are always nice
Early on in the regulations, aero bits also provide visible gains. In that sense I think we might see some steps forward but they are usually far and few as you say.
everyone will bring big updates, if not in Bahrain for session 2, it will happen in Australia. Ferrari for example will bring important updates (a new extreme cover engine is sure)
Indeed and all top teams had their problems in testing, mclaren, ferrari and mostly mercedes with not a lot of running. All to play for, lets have some faith.
Yes, and Ferrari already shot their first salvo this week when they brought several upgrades and clearly found pace. Every test is just a snapshot of each car so you need to be mindful of where that car is in its development, what upgrades have been brought, and what can be expected in the future.
Ferrari also stepped back from the 'complaining group' and are now pallies with Mercedes, regarding the "engine trick complaint" so 3/5 is a no-go w.r.t FIA action. I am reminded of the "5 families of NewYork" in the Godfather novel.Badger wrote: ↑14 Feb 2026, 14:42Yes, and Ferrari already shot their first salvo this week when they brought several upgrades and clearly found pace. Every test is just a snapshot of each car so you need to be mindful of where that car is in its development, what upgrades have been brought, and what can be expected in the future.
RB has likely not invested as much time into refining its concept as some of the other teams that turned their focus to 2026 earlier, so their first few upgrade packages should be revealing as to what kind of potential they have.
misinformation from the Merc thread. Ferrari said they won’t make a formal protest in Australia. That does not equal NOT voting against it at the WMSC next week. On that it has been clear for a long time. All teams are in alignment except Mercedes.
