Max Verstappen has tested Red Bull's 2026 F1 car in the simulator, but states it has limited immediate use. With the 2024 drivers' title all but out of reach, focus is now shifting towards the significant regulation changes set for 2026.
Why it matters
Verstappen, currently 97 points behind Oscar Piastri with only 10 rounds remaining, faces an improbable challenge for a fifth consecutive title. This has naturally directed attention to the future, specifically the RB22 for the 2026 season, with minimal further development expected for the current RB21.
The big picture
Red Bull is already deeply involved in the development of its 2026 challenger. The new power unit and chassis rules represent a major overhaul, and drivers across the grid have reportedly expressed mixed feelings about their simulator experiences so far.
Verstappen's view
The four-time champion outlined the team's phased approach to the new regulations and his role within it:
- He confirms active work on both current and future seasons is ongoing.
- "In the beginning, you depend on what they build. From there you go as a driver... Then you feel things and see things that maybe could be different."
Despite using the simulator, Verstappen maintains a cautious perspective regarding its current value:
- "I was in the simulator on Tuesday," he explained. "But on the simulator, there are all these things.... You can make it as good as you want in terms of how you fill it out. You don't have much use for that at the moment."
- He also prefers not to engage in the ongoing debate about the 2026 car's feel, choosing to remain neutral: "I prefer to keep a low profile. There is no point in being negative or positive anyway, let's just wait and see."
What's next
As the 2024 season progresses, more details and insights into the 2026 regulations and car development are expected to emerge. Verstappen's 'wait and see' approach suggests the true picture of the new era remains far off.