Red Bull admit significant RB21 shortcomings after Chinese Grand Prix
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has admitted their 2026 Formula 1 car possesses “significant shortcomings” following a disastrous Chinese Grand Prix for Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.
The Milton Keynes-based squad have endured a nightmare start to the sport’s new era of technical regulations.
Operating as an independent power unit manufacturer for the first time, they have accumulated just 12 points across the opening two race weekends in Australia and Shanghai.
That meagre tally represents the team’s lowest points return to start a campaign since 2015.
Reliability woes plague new engine era
Engine-related reliability issues have hampered both drivers in the early stages of the season.
Hadjar was forced out of the season-opener in Melbourne, while reigning world champion Verstappen suffered a coolant fault that ended his race in China.
“We knew that just getting onto the grid in Melbourne with our own PU was a major achievement in itself and it would have been naive not to expect we would encounter reliability issues.”
Mekies acknowledged that the problems extend far beyond just keeping the engine running.
“We had to retire Max because of a coolant fault. However, this was not our only issue as overall, performance-wise, our package showed some significant shortcomings.”
Despite the severe setbacks, the team principal remains optimistic that data gathered over recent weeks will make them more competitive at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
Verstappen frustrated by handling struggles
Verstappen has not hidden his frustration regarding the drivability of the newly designed RB21 machinery.
The Dutch driver failed to score any points in either the Sprint or the main race at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Compromised by poor starts from eighth on the grid, he described the car as incredibly tough to drive and complained that every lap felt like a fight.
“A big problem for us is tyre degradation. We are graining a lot, probably more than the people around us. So that’s one thing we need to solve.”
The multi-time title winner highlighted that sweeping regulation changes have caused chaos up and down the pit lane.
“Then getting on top of our problems. But that’s not easy. You can see that all over the grid. Some cars are not even starting. It’s all very complicated.”
While acknowledging the immense effort from his garage, the lead driver conceded the current situation is deeply painful as they are not where they want to be.
