Verstappen RB22 issue persists, Newey-Alonso radio reaction – F1 roundup

Red Bull has confirmed that Max Verstappen's 'car degradation' issue with the RB22 will not be resolved before the end of the 2026 season, with team principal Laurent Mekies calling it a complex problem. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has welcomed a rare team radio exchange between Adrian Newey and Fernando Alonso as evidence of real progress, and F1 is facing questions over its virtual safety car rules after a controversial Spanish Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

These stories capture key narratives at the sharp end of the season: Red Bull's inability to fix a handling flaw could undermine Verstappen's title defense, Aston Martin's upgrades may have moved them up the order, and the FIA's decision to help Alonso and Honda has sparked debate about competitive balance. The VSC controversy, meanwhile, puts race fairness under the spotlight.

The details:

• Red Bull's RB22 issue: Laurent Mekies admitted the rear-end degradation problem Verstappen raised after Hungary qualifying won't be fully solved in 2026. The car cannot attack kerbs as aggressively as needed. Progress has been made, but solutions remain incomplete.
• Aston Martin's breakthrough: Enrico Cardile said Alonso's praise for the upgraded AMR26 at Zandvoort – "a very good car to drive" – means a lot. He believes the upgrades delivered a massive step, improving both performance and drivability, leading to their best result of the season.
• FIA's help for Honda/Alonso: Toto Wolff has backed Mohammed Ben Sulayem's pledge to assist Alonso and Honda through the ADUO scheme, which is designed to help struggling manufacturers close the gap under the new regulations.
• VSC rules under fire: Lando Norris lost the Spanish GP after passing the pit entry just as the VSC was deployed, allowing Kimi Antonelli to make a cheap stop and take the lead. Norris questioned the fairness of the rule.
• Vettel on Antonelli: Sebastian Vettel says "records are there to be broken" as Kimi Antonelli closes in on his youngest champion record. Antonelli holds an 81-point lead over George Russell with nine races remaining.

What's next:

With nine races left, Antonelli is on the verge of history, while Red Bull must manage Verstappen's limitations. The VSC debate could lead to rule changes, and Aston Martin's momentum will be tested in the coming rounds.