2026 Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team

[lio007]

Don’t think we will know until Quali and the race.
The data we have shows the team was right with 4th best

And nobody should be surprised about it as the team said since testing that they are 4th best. Mekies also said since months they'll be compromised to a certain degree by developing the RB21 longer than the competition, but it's been a conscious decision.

[f1isgood]

Don’t think we will know until Quali and the race.
The data we have shows the team was right with 4th best

And nobody should be surprised about it as the team said since testing that they are 4th best. Mekies also said since months they'll be compromised to a certain degree by developing the RB21 longer than the competition, but it's been a conscious decision.

I am not sure if he ever said we would be compromised. I think it's a mixed bag so far. Chassis side of things could be better. But we do have to remember that in the last three years Red Bull haven't had the best chassis, so there's some weakness there.

[lio007]

Don’t think we will know until Quali and the race.
The data we have shows the team was right with 4th best

And nobody should be surprised about it as the team said since testing that they are 4th best. Mekies also said since months they'll be compromised to a certain degree by developing the RB21 longer than the competition, but it's been a conscious decision.

I am not sure if he ever said we would be compromised. I think it's a mixed bag so far. Chassis side of things could be better. But we do have to remember that in the last three years Red Bull haven't had the best chassis, so there's some weakness there.

E.g. https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/10/ ... e-f1-2026/

[f1isgood]

And nobody should be surprised about it as the team said since testing that they are 4th best. Mekies also said since months they'll be compromised to a certain degree by developing the RB21 longer than the competition, but it's been a conscious decision.

I am not sure if he ever said we would be compromised. I think it's a mixed bag so far. Chassis side of things could be better. But we do have to remember that in the last three years Red Bull haven't had the best chassis, so there's some weakness there.

E.g. https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/10/ ... e-f1-2026/

Yes, I remember this interview but I didn't read it as we would start as far behind as it is now for 2026. We are looking at half a second or more from the chassis as it stands. Some of it might be easy to salvage - e.g. weight. But we will see tomorrow. It still doesn't change the fact that we are no longer the best team in F1 as we used to be not very long ago.
I am maybe a bit disappointed with the chassis as I think the engine is extremely good for what was expected out of it.

[AR3-GP]

Messaging from late last year and Jan-Feb 2026 was that Red Bull was preparing for first half of 2026 to be a write off. It turns out that the PU didn't have as many problems as they expected. Hadjar was saying during pre-season that they were expecting a Honda style roll out...None of that came to fruition, so now the chassis is in the spotlight sooner.

[Vettel165]

Messaging from late last year and Jan-Feb 2026 was that Red Bull was preparing for first half of 2026 to be a write off. It turns out that the PU didn't have as many problems as they expected. Hadjar was saying during pre-season that they were expecting a Honda style roll out...None of that came to fruition, so now the chassis is in the spotlight sooner.

Indeed playing the long-game having a good engine is more important. A big relief in this area. I am sure Red Bull will improve the chassis, car in the next few races. They just need more time.

[euv2]

Yeah, Merc is a rocketship. It's going to be a battle for 2nd place this season, unless the engine compression ratio tests actually nerf the Merc PU.

[upsidedowntoast]

Yeah, Merc is a rocketship. It's going to be a battle for 2nd place this season, unless the engine compression ratio tests actually nerf the Merc PU.

Considering they already passed the hot test, and the cold test isn't being dropped until next year, I predict this will be another flexiwing scenario.

Their overall package looks strong, not just the engine. Otherwise Williams and Alpine would be up there too.

[pantherxxx]

If Mercedes really have this advantage I'll stop watching this sport. 2014-2020 was boring as hell, and it's a waste of time.

[AR3-GP]

If Mercedes really have this advantage I'll stop watching this sport. 2014-2020 was boring as hell, and it's a waste of time.

Max during pre-season:

"Let me tell you something: wait for Melbourne and suddenly see how much power they have. I already know."

[euv2]

[AR3-GP]

If Mercedes really have this advantage I'll stop watching this sport. 2014-2020 was boring as hell, and it's a waste of time.

Max during pre-season:

"Let me tell you something: wait for Melbourne and suddenly see how much power they have. I already know."

I think it will be fun to think about the mini-championship behind Mercedes.

I also think that Mclaren can't be this far away from Mercedes. That would be shocking to have such a chassis deficit.

[AR3-GP]

https://postimg.cc/bs8CDKRN

These charts are meaningless now. Different teams and cars use energy in different parts of the track. It's impossible to make sense of anything.

[SpecialOps]

https://postimg.cc/bs8CDKRN

These charts are meaningless now. Different teams and cars use energy in different parts of the track. It's impossible to make sense of anything.

But the graphs basically had George dominant at the end of all straights. That PU advantage is so ridiculous.

[Valeo]

What was that?