4-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen stated Crimson Bull had already attracted the eye of rivals with its new engine and was “off to a great begin”.
Crimson Bull enters a brand new regulatory cycle by partnering with US automotive large Ford to develop its personal energy unit for the primary time.
Forward of the Barcelona shakedown on the finish of final month, there was some doubt as to how Crimson Bull would fare with the brand new engine.
Nonetheless, early suggestions from shocked rivals, notably Mercedes, means that Crimson Bull has hit the bottom working with its new engine.
The 2026 Crimson Bull achieved vital mileage and excessive reliability in closed-door testing in Barcelona, after which Max Verstappen was cautiously excited.
Requested about Barcelona’s RB22 shakedown, Verstappen advised the official F1 web site: “General I believe it is fairly respectable.”
“Mainly on the primary morning, I wasn’t capable of do many laps as a result of climate.
“However (the ultimate day) was good. I did a variety of laps and discovered so much. There’s nonetheless a variety of issues I wish to discover and enhance on, however I believe that is regular.”
“Usually, it’s totally good to have achieved so many laps with the brand new engine and a great begin for us.
“So, whereas we’re optimistic, it’s nonetheless early days.
“It’s nonetheless a piece in progress, however I believe we’re fairly properly on observe with these items.
“I believe there’s nonetheless a variety of work to be performed as a result of that is nonetheless a really advanced equation for everybody. However that is regular.”
Testing in Barcelona wasn’t totally simple for Crimson Bull, whose plans had been interrupted by Isak Hajar’s heavy crash on the second day of follow.
In consequence, Crimson Bull was pressured to sit down nonetheless for a day whereas ready for brand spanking new elements to reach from its base in Milton Keynes.
Earlier than the crash, Hajar advised the F1 web site: “We solely had minor issues (on the primary day) so it was very spectacular contemplating it was the primary day with our personal engine. It was positively clean.”
“Not less than within the first season, all of the upshifts and downshifts didn’t really feel that removed from what I used to be used to.
“In fact, there are nonetheless some issues that must be adjusted, however it is extremely full.”
Pre-season testing will happen subsequent week in Bahrain from February 11-13, adopted by one other pre-season check from February 18-20, earlier than the season formally begins in Australia from March 6-8.
