The Miami GP is treated by Red Bull as a possible restart point in the 2026 Formula 1 season, after a below-expected start. Even so, the team principal, Laurent Mekies, adopts caution and does not guarantee an immediate solution to the team’s problems.
Read more F1: Russell rules out pressure on Antonelli and wants a clean fight
In a statement, the executive highlighted the importance of the event, which marks the debut of the Red Bull and Ford partnership on North American soil. “The Miami GP is also the first of three races held in the USA this season and, therefore, it is a significant moment for us, as Red Bull Ford Powertrains makes its debut in North America.”
The five-week break, caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran, was considered positive for technical adjustments. “Everyone at Red Bull is excited to get back to racing after the forced break. There is no denying that these last few weeks have been useful for the teams, the FIA, and Formula 1…,” Mekies said.
During this period, the team worked intensively on the RB22, which received criticism from Max Verstappen after the Chinese GP, where it was described as “completely impossible to drive.” Red Bull currently occupies sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, while Verstappen and Isack Hadjar are ninth and twelfth in the drivers’ championship.
Read more F1: After the break, Aston Martin arrives more optimistic for the Miami GP
Mekies reinforced the internal effort but kept his feet on the ground: “Effectively, Miami will be a restart of the season… We do not expect to have solved all our problems at once […] In the end, only the Miami track will reveal the answer about how good our work was.”
Despite the moderate optimism, the chief recognizes that rivals have also evolved, which should keep the competition balanced in the continuation of the season.
Read more F1: McLaren says ‘lift and coast’ will not be a concern in qualifying in Miami
