Hadjar and Verstappen Deliver Scathing Assessment of Red Bull's RB22

Red Bull drivers Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen delivered withering assessments of the RB22 after the Hungarian Grand Prix, with both men making clear that strong results masked deep frustration. Hadjar, who climbed from eighth to sixth at the Hungaroring, sarcastically declared the team had taken a "good step back," while Verstappen admitted he had no idea how he finished second in what he called one of his toughest races of the year.

Why it matters:

The unified criticism from Red Bull's drivers reveals a growing disconnect between podium finishes and the true competitiveness of their 2026 car. Despite Verstappen's runner-up spot and Hadjar's points haul, persistent balance issues suggest Red Bull is extracting results from a flawed package rather than curing it. With Laurent Mekies already indicating a shift toward the 2027 car, these remarks signal that both drivers fear they are stuck with an unruly machine.

The details:

• Verstappen's confusion: After securing P2, Verstappen said, "I don't understand how we are second," explaining the race was "very tough" and required constant balance management "corner to corner." He confirmed the car felt unchanged from previous rounds with no improvements possible after qualifying.
• Hadjar's sarcasm: Asked about weaknesses, Hadjar dryly praised the downshifts as "terrible" and a "good step back," echoing gearbox complaints both drivers have aired this season. He also cited poor overall grip as a core limitation.
• Setup struggles: Hadjar revealed he never found a "driveable" setup all weekend, admitting the RB22 never "came alive" despite hopes the Hungaroring would suit it. The 21-year-old has outqualified Verstappen three times in 2026, yet Sunday's opening stint left him frustrated.
• Shared pain: Hadjar found minor relief in matching Verstappen's feedback, calling it "reassuring" and proof of why their qualifying gaps remain tight, though the race pace deficit remained a puzzle.

What's next:

With Red Bull poised to channel resources into next year's challenger, both drivers appear destined to wrestle the RB22 through the remaining rounds. While Verstappen continues to paper over the car's cracks on Sundays, the escalating public criticism heaps pressure on the team to explain how a once-dominant outfit produced a machine both men now openly mock.