Red Bull’s newest recruit Isack Hadjar is already singing praises for the team’s 2026 Formula 1 car after the first Bahrain pre-season test, hinting that the Milton Keynes outfit could be starting the year on a high note.
Stepping up from a breakthrough rookie season with Racing Bulls in 2025, and having tested in Abu Dhabi last December Red Bull’s previous car, Hadjar immediately noticed the differences with the team’s new-era RB22.
“It seems easier to push to the limit compared to last year’s car,” the Frenchman told the official F1 website.
Overall, Hadjar quickly adapted to Red Bull’s 2026 challenger, noting both its handling and its overall character.
“It’s a bit slower in general, and also lighter, smaller. So, it kind of feels similar in the slow-to-medium speed corners,” he said.
“But then in the high-speed it’s quite different. But so far I already got to push it to the limit kind of, so I’m happy.”
Reliability and Mileage Impress
Beyond handling, Red Bull’s new in-house Ford-supported power unit has already drawn attention for its reliability and mileage. Hadjar logged over 130 laps in Bahrain, despite losing some time on day two to a minor hydraulic leak, while teammate Max Verstappen completed 197 laps.
“I’m still very surprised from already the Barcelona shakedown to here at how many laps we’ve been able to achieve,” Hadjar said.
“The power unit seems, so far, reliable, powerful. I’m very happy so far. If anything, it’s going a bit better than we hoped for.
“More on the PU side. Then on the balance and the tyres, we still have more to do, which is normal. I mean, a lot of work to do. But I’m excited.”
Even Verstappen has been buoyed by the new engine’s debut.
“It’s of course amazing to see that, as a new manufacturer, to come in. Also for everyone to see the new car and engine together, it’s like their little baby!” commented the Dutchman.
“And like I said, it’s still of course a lot to learn, but I think we’re heading in the right direction.
“Of course there’s still things we want to do better, for sure. I think we’ll never be satisfied but, like I said, at least we’re not breaking down.
“I think that no-one really expected that from the start, that we would go out of the garage without exploding! That has been very positive.”
Testing continues in Bahrain from 18-20 February, offering more data before the season officially kicks off in Australia on the first weekend of March – and by the looks of it, the RB22 may already be ready to roar.
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