Max Verstappen predicts Red Bull to have rocky start to F1 2026 season

SportsCars
16 Jan 2026 • 5:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Max Verstappen predicts Red Bull will spend more time in the garage than on track during the first pre-season tests in Barcelona due to new regulations.
  • Red Bull is building its own power unit for the first time for the 2026 season, in collaboration with American automotive giant Ford.
  • The four-time world champion expressed uncertainty about the new car and engine ahead of the tests, which begin on 26 January.
  • Red Bull is set to unveil its 2026 car livery in Detroit, with Isack Hadjar joining Verstappen as his fourth different teammate in 15 months.
  • Verstappen, who narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive championship last season, is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.

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