The Red Bull RB21 car is known for its narrow operating window and challenging handling, a stark contrast to the more forgiving Racing Bulls VCARB 02. This difference has been evident in the strong debut of Isack Hadjar, but also highlights ongoing struggles for Red Bull's second seat.
Why it matters
Racing Bulls deliberately designed the VCARB 02 to be easier for drivers to extract performance from. New team principal Alan Permane confirmed this was a conscious choice made over the winter, aimed at creating a "nice car to drive." While it benefits rookie drivers, Permane believes even top-tier drivers would find it comfortable and capable of extracting maximum performance.
The bigger picture
Given the VCARB 02's user-friendliness, the question arises why Max Verstappen hasn't tested it. Such a test could offer valuable benchmarks for Racing Bulls, provide technical feedback for the sister team, and give Verstappen a clear view of the car differences. However, Red Bull sources suggest this is politically sensitive. Other teams, notably McLaren, have raised concerns about A/B team dynamics, and the FIA plans to tighten operational regulations for 2026. Having Verstappen test the sister team's car, while theoretically possible, would likely draw scrutiny and raise eyebrows in the paddock.
What's next
Beyond political considerations, a test might already be too late to be genuinely useful. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the two cars are too different for direct feedback transfer. Furthermore, teams are largely focused on 2026 regulations, meaning current car development is winding down. Even if Verstappen gained insights, budget caps, wind tunnel restrictions, and looming new regulations would make it nearly impossible to implement changes to this year's car.