2026 Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team

[AR3-GP]

Very good in the slow-speed corners and at the end of the straights. Also quite solid over the kerbs. The grip in the low speed could mean a good chance for Monaco.

So Max doesn't lose anything basically in high or low speed, it's just S1 deployment that basically killed the lap (as pointed out by Badger already). Gains on very top end do not offset huge S1 loss during accelerating phase.
That, and mercedes PU seems just bit more powerful. Or maybe it's still the weight that's hurting acceleration.

I think it’s unlikely that they miss something obvious with the deployment so if they have not done this after seeing it in sprint qualy, then they have their own technical limitations.

Arriving to T4 with so much over speed while seemingly lacking some load in the high speed could overcook the tires, so they could be optimizing the deployment around the car they have.

[f1isgood]

There's also a reported 2 to 3 tenths disadvantage that the engine carries. I am sure if the engine was comparable to Mercedes, the chassis was good enough to get pole yesterday.

[AR3-GP]

There's also a reported 2 to 3 tenths disadvantage that the engine carries. I am sure if the engine was comparable to Mercedes, the chassis was good enough to get pole yesterday.

If the chassis was 6-7 kgs lighter, it would have also been good enough for pole. They are not in a bad place. The project just needs more cooking time. They probably developed the longest of any team last year and there is a lot of internal leadership change that has to bed in.

[f1isgood]

There's also a reported 2 to 3 tenths disadvantage that the engine carries. I am sure if the engine was comparable to Mercedes, the chassis was good enough to get pole yesterday.

If the chassis was 6-7 kgs lighter, it would have also been good enough for pole. They are not in a bad place. The project just needs more cooking time. They probably developed the longest of any team last year and there is a lot of internal leadership change that has to bed in.

I see potential for now. But we need consistency over a few races to judge properlt. It is definitely much better than being 1s off the pace in the last couple of races and for that the team deserves all the credit. Given the performance of the car and assuming it continues, it is at least safe to say there's no major fundamental issues in the car. That is always good as adding performance with more tunnel time will only be much more easier.

[gearboxtrouble]

There's also a reported 2 to 3 tenths disadvantage that the engine carries. I am sure if the engine was comparable to Mercedes, the chassis was good enough to get pole yesterday.

I really question that 2 to 3 tenths engine deficit. Nothing I've seen in the telemetry suggests such a big gap on engine performance. If the reported ICE deficit of 7-9hp is true its <0.1s which is not going to be noticeable. I suspect they might lack in drivability and calibration but in terms of performance, they are fairly close to Mercedes and ahead of Ferrari. It might just be gamesmanship from Meikes to try and lobby for the ADUO allowance if they're on the bubble of not qualifying for it.

[AR3-GP]

There's also a reported 2 to 3 tenths disadvantage that the engine carries. I am sure if the engine was comparable to Mercedes, the chassis was good enough to get pole yesterday.

I really question that 2 to 3 tenths engine deficit. Nothing I've seen in the telemetry suggests such a big gap on engine performance. If the reported ICE deficit of 7-9hp is true its <0.1s which is not going to be noticeable. I suspect they might lack in drivability and calibration but in terms of performance, they are fairly close to Mercedes and ahead of Ferrari. It might just be gamesmanship from Meikes to try and lobby for the ADUO allowance if they're on the bubble of not qualifying for it.

ADUO isn't decided by politics. They measure the power from the torque meter. Mekies said before the break that they anticipated qualifying for ADUO.

With that said, I don't think the ADUO system is very fair. It's ridiculous that you also get an extra upgrade in 2027 because of underperformance in 2026. This makes no sense. It should be in-season concession, for the current season only. A manufacturer that gets ADUO concession after Miami could start 2027 with the best engine and then have a free upgrade in their pocket to use during 2027. As always, these systems are never well thought out.

It should be open development under the budget cap, just like the chassis constructor.

[AR3-GP]

We still haven’t had one question answered. What did they change between the sprint and qualy?

[venkyhere]

trivia : Max's car had it's diveplane on the left FW endplate partially dangling throughout the sprint, after the first lap scuffle with Hamilton, but still the part didn't break away

https://www.racefans.net/2026/05/02/202 ... lifying-77

[Juzh]

Ok the spin was diabolical but then lawson 's double move on the brakes and subsequent squeeze was too much. They need to calm the dude down.

[Valeo]

Day to forget but pace is brutal tbh.
Great to see

[AR3-GP]

The pace is good. There's a chance for 3rd here. If it rains, could be more on the table.

[f1isgood]

If they go till the end they'll get a P3. The pace looks very good.

[AR3-GP]

If they go till the end they'll get a P3. The pace looks very good.

If they stop, they could probably catch and pass.

[Valeo]

Think they'll stop again.
He has the pace to pass

[Juzh]

Pace is not really that good right now.