Red Bull targets major RB22 upgrade to fix critical weight issue

Red Bull is pushing through a significant upgrade package aimed at solving the RB22's persistent weight problem, with the team reportedly finding an additional 6-8kg to shed. Engineers at Milton Keynes believe the next underbody evolution and redesigned components using thinner materials will bring the car closer to the 768kg minimum limit.

Why it matters:

Carrying excess weight has compromised the RB22's dynamic behavior and tire utilization since the start of the 2026 season, when the car was allegedly more than 10kg overweight. Resolving this issue could unlock previously unworkable setups and improve energy management, offering Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar a much-needed performance boost.

The details:

• The RB22 was reportedly around 13kg overweight during pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, though successive updates—including a sidepod redesign—have already trimmed some of that excess.
• The team is now targeting further reductions through an evolved underbody floor and thinner material specifications for certain components.
• Weight reduction is expected to alter the car's weight distribution, potentially alleviating dynamic issues without requiring suspension changes.
• A lighter chassis should improve tire utilization and reduce energy consumption on straights, helping maintain better energy balance across a lap.

What's next:

If Red Bull successfully delivers the planned weight savings, Verstappen and Hadjar could see gains in both race pace and qualifying performance. The upgrade represents a critical turning point for a team that has struggled to balance the 2026 regulations' demands for reduced overall mass against increased battery requirements.