Max Verstappen has raised concerns about Red Bull’s preparations ahead of their first pre-season test before the 2026 Formula One season.
With less than two months remaining until the new campaign begins at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, anticipation is building, especially with major regulation changes and the introduction of an 11th team.
The first official test will take place behind closed doors at Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26 to 30. Although teams are not required to participate, all 11 are expected to run their new cars and power units, with a maximum of three days on track allowed per team.
However, Verstappen has dampened expectations, suggesting Red Bull may struggle to gain valuable track time. Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, the four-time world champion admitted there is still little clarity around the new car and engine.
“None of us really know what to expect from the car or the engine,” Verstappen said. “I think we’ll probably spend more time in the garage than actually driving during the Barcelona test.”
This uncertainty is heightened by Red Bull’s switch to running their own engines in partnership with Ford, making the test particularly significant for the team.
Verstappen’s comments come despite Ford’s global director Mark Rushbrook confirming that the Dutch driver has been closely involved in development, including multiple visits to the factory. Even so, Verstappen insisted that progress remains unclear and much is still unknown.
Fortunately for Red Bull, additional testing opportunities will follow in Bahrain, with two televised sessions scheduled for February 11–13 and February 18–20. Verstappen believes those tests will provide a clearer picture of where the team stands.
“Hopefully, after the Bahrain tests, we’ll have a better understanding of everything,” he added.
Despite finishing second in the 2025 drivers’ championship behind Lando Norris, Verstappen will be aiming to reclaim the title in 2026 and will rely heavily on Red Bull delivering a competitive package.
He has also received a boost off the track, with reports confirming that his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will remain with him next season, ending speculation about a possible move to Aston Martin.
Elsewhere, Verstappen has been spotted testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car in Portugal ahead of Red Bull’s 2026 car launch in Detroit, where only the new liveries are expected to be revealed.
The 2026 season marks a fresh chapter for Verstappen, who will also race under a new driver number after losing the championship crown, as he looks to return to the top when the lights go out in Melbourne.
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