Red Bull is dealing with complicated issues at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Heading into the Japanese GP, the team is amid speculation that the cars of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar are overweight.
Read more F1: Hamilton admits lack of confidence in Ferrari car at Suzuka
During the weekend in China, a fan reportedly captured an image of the French driver’s car on the FIA weighing scale at the end of qualifying. The image shows a weight of 716.5 kg – with Isack’s weight being 65kg, it is believed, therefore, that the RB22 is 20kg above the permitted weight for this season.
However, the truth is not as the image in Shanghai tried to paint. According to information from RacingNews365, yes, Red Bull is having weight problems with the car, but something around nine or ten kilos, nothing like the 20kg reported. Still, it is necessary to take other parameters into consideration such as setup changes and even the number of sensors.
Obviously, this excess value is not something the Austrian Formula 1 team would like. In this scenario, 10kg can mean up to 0.2s in lap time and can affect the car’s balance.
Read more F1: Ferrari opts not to use ‘Macarena’ wing in Japan
Also according to the RacingNews365 portal, Red Bull is preparing an upgrade package for the Miami GP, which takes place in early May. New parts are expected to reduce weight, resulting in better lap times and improved balance.
Initially, this package was to have been brought to Bahrain, but due to the cancellation of the race, Verstappen and Hadjar will have to wait a little longer.
Read more F1: FIA explains why Mercedes escaped investigation
