2026 Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team

[f1isgood]

Not sure that's so clear?

Against Mercedes powered cars its obvious. Mercedes and McLaren both will enjoy 3 tenths just due to engine. Ferrari car is much more developed than Red Bull.

I think the top 4 teams are comfortably ahead of the midfield but amongst them its clear Red Bull is the weakest imo mostly because they've not yet developed their car well enough. I think this season had a lot of potential if the Merc engine was nerfed but now its just a development battle between Merc and McLaren and maybe Ferrari (if their engine is good enough). Red Bull's engine its unclear if they're better than Ferrari.

What actual evidence is there of this?

If everything requires evidence we should stop discussing. Its been widely reported by reputed sources that Mercedes have 30bhp advantage with their trick, which will at least last till the hot tests begin. Toto Wolff himself confirmed the trick and tried to downplay it obviously but its clear that there's something significant going on. Otherwise youd have to believe that 4 engine manufacturers are acting on the basis on vibes and not reality.

[chrisc90]

Tinted first half of the season due to an illegal engine

[organic]

Clear 4th fastest. Ferrari are ahead so it's not just the engine

[Sieper]

I've not seen something from other teams so far, I would rate as frightening.
In comparison to last year for example, I remember the race simulation by Norris at the Bahrain test and everybody and their dog knew McLaren would be untouchable in terms of tyre wear.
I would be very surprised if Max isn't in contention for a podium from the beginning.

Because no merc engine is turned open. Max has literally said “wait Till Melbourne to see their (merc) speed on the straight”. And not in a way he was questioning it. He knows. He has spoken to Toto over the summer to come to Mercedes. Before that Russell was super scared (that Max would take his Seat) and after that he calmed down again.

I am still hoping RBR will be thereabouts. Max has spent 7 years in a car that was unable to compete. Even last year, maybe 8.

[Paa]

Clear 4th fastest. Ferrari are ahead so it's not just the engine

I also feel Red Bull is a bit behind from the first 3, but the picture is not fully clear to me. Tyre wear and consistency seems really good and pace is very difficult to judge in this "deployment" era, it could swing a lot from track to track.

If one team will be clearly ahead at the beginning of the year and can get away like McLaren did last year, then there is not much hope. But I can also see a chance for some mixed results at the beginning so Max could stay within reach by picking up 10 points per race and then it's a development race until the end.
Red Bull should be able to pick up some easy laptime from weight reduction. I can be totally wrong with this, but somehow I feel they are the heaviest od the top teams.

[FittingMechanics]

Max effect shouldn't be underestimated. I am sure he will be able to overtake by using energy and then defend while harvesting.

[Paa]

Max effect shouldn't be underestimated. I am sure he will be able to overtake by using energy and then defend while harvesting.

Will have to see about how that works in practice. I would not be surprised if drivers figured out soon how to create a 30+ km/h advantage at the end of the straight if they have a general pace advantage. Then Max can not do much about it.

[FittingMechanics]

Max effect shouldn't be underestimated. I am sure he will be able to overtake by using energy and then defend while harvesting.

Will have to see about how that works in practice. I would not be surprised if drivers figured out soon how to create a 30+ km/h advantage at the end of the straight if they have a general pace advantage. Then Max can not do much about it.

I can imagine drivers overtaking by skipping harvesting at the end of one straight, then you are low on energy but ahead, if you can defend strongly, perhaps even dirtily you just need a little time to recharge.

I'm sure Max will be a master of that. I fully expect to be super frustrated at McLaren guys when he overtakes them and then defends. I'm also very optimistic about the racing, I think we will have many overtakes.

[AR3-GP]

At least they will have the extra windtunnel hours to try and outdevelop the others or get ahead on the 2027 car.

[Paa]

At least they will have the extra windtunnel hours to try and outdevelop the others or get ahead on the 2027 car.

Let's hope that engine is also not so good to get more ADUO for 2027!

[venkyhere]

Red Bull should be able to pick up some easy laptime from weight reduction. I can be totally wrong with this, but somehow I feel they are the heaviest od the top teams.

Bingo. This is what I felt too, watching the different onboards and broadcast shots (I have to admit I have only been watching in 'short bursts' , not the whole day). RB22 seems to be the heaviest car of the big4, from the body language shown in the final corner before the start/finish straight. Seemed well balanced on the final C2 stint, but heavy.

[AR3-GP]

I doubt anyone can "see" 10kg of extra weight. The Audi is at the weight limit and looks like a handful. Nevertheless, getting down to the weight limit and below will bring them closer to Ferrari and Mercedes who are reported already at the limit. It would be worth 3-4 tenths at 10kg.

If they are carrying such a weight penalty and also a PU deficit to Mercedes, it is not going to make for pretty viewing in Australia. It can be in the region of 6 tenths or more behind. There's a reason that Mekies said the others are "well ahead" and Wache puts them 4th.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of positives. In particular, the PU project has been very impressive and it's a good reason for the drivers to have confidence in the team going forward. Mintzlaff is letting them spend whatever it takes to get back to the front.

[AR3-GP]

Another reference point from Wolff at press conference:

Because the 10-kilo fuel load can make up to 0.350 seconds of difference in lap time.

[Cassius]

The curse of the 2nd driver. Hadjar has difficulties getting a fast lap together. He seems slow compared to the other top 4 teams.

[ali623]

Based on the gap to the midfield, I expect Hadjar will find himself in P8 quite a lot this season.