Max Verstappen’s Early Reaction to Red Bull’s 2026 F1 Car Revealed

Max Verstappen was surprised in a good way following Red Bull's error-free running at the private testing in Barcelona.

Max Verstappen’s Early Reaction to Red Bull’s 2026 F1 Car Revealed

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

In Short
  • Red Bull has revealed its 2026 F1 car and livery, showing strong performance during private testing in Barcelona.
  • Max Verstappen was surprised by the progress of other teams under new regulations and optimistic about Red Bull's capabilities.
  • Concerns about potential political issues with the FIA have led teams to take a cautious approach in early testing.

Red Bull has fully revealed the livery and challenger they will race with in the 2026 season. The team has also started the season on a positive note following a great outing during the private testing in Barcelona. Now, amid the preparations, Max Verstappen‘s girlfriend’s brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., has revealed how the former reacted during the challenger reveal.

Max Verstappen was reportedly sick during the private testing in Barcelona, and hence wasn’t able to give it his all. Still, Red Bull put forth an impressive performance and is looking to start the season of new regulations on the right note. Now, Nelson Piquet Jr. provided an insight into what it was like for Verstappen to race over the five-day testing session.

Nelson Piquet Jr. claimed that Max Verstappen was surprised by how far many of the teams had already come under the new regulations. He continued that the Dutchman was positive that Red Bull and Co. could finish more than 100 laps over the testing, despite usually being pessimistic about such things.

Further, Nelson Piquet Jr. revealed that Max Verstappen was utterly shocked by how good Red Bull hit the ground running during the very first real outing on track. The four-time champion was surprised that the car was capable of running so many laps without much error on the very first day. As such, these positive indications could mean that Milton Keynes is looking forward to starting the season on the right note.

He was surprised that people had already come this far with the new car, Max sometimes has a bit of a pessimistic view of things, but in this case he indicated that they could have already completed 100 laps. He was really surprised at the number of laps the car completed when it first left the pit box on day one.

Nelson Piquet Jr. said on the Pelas Pistas podcast.

Nelson Piquet Jr. claims teams ‘taking it easy’ to avoid political issues with FIA

With the new season starting, it will give rise to new controversies and disputes among the teams and the FIA. Mercedes and Red Bull are already being accused of using an illegal compression ratio trick in the engines to gain extra power. Though Toto Wolff has formally denied all of these claims and is confident that they are fully legal. Nelson Piquet Jr. opens up on how teams are potentially holding themselves back with development.

George Russell and Max Verstappen (via F1)
George Russell and Max Verstappen (via F1)

Nelson Piquet Jr. remained tight-lipped when questioned about Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s pace comparison with the rivals. He reckoned that it couldn’t be determined yet. Further, the Brazilian noted that the teams were taking it easy, as they did not want to be on the FIA’s watchlist. Meanwhile, the rival teams had their eyes set on teams that showcased a big advantage while running on track, just like Mercedes did.

No, that can’t be determined yet, The teams are still taking it easy to avoid political issues with the FIA. They are keeping an eye on teams that seem to have a big advantage.

Nelson Piquet Jr. noted.

It is looking like the 2026 season will deliver some exciting situations and racing actions, especially at the forefront. Since a single team isn’t the title favorite yet, multiple teams will be vying to maximize results from the get-go. The usual frontrunners might get a team’s addition as one of the midfield teams might certainly move up the chain following Cadillac’s entry as the 11th team on the grid. Regardless, it is too early to rule out any of the teams of the title chance, as everyone prepares for the pre-season test soon.

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