A scandal erupted around Red Bull after a photo taken by a VIP guest at the Chinese Grand Prix surfaced online. The image, showing the RB22 car on the scales after qualifying, quickly spread across social media and sparked a heated reaction among experts and fans. It turned out that the cars of Max Verstappen and Ayumu Iwasa were significantly heavier than expected, which directly affects the team’s dynamics and results for the 2026 season.
The weight issue quickly became clear: according to russpain.com, the RB22 without the driver weighs 716.6 kilograms. Taking into account the drivers’ weights, Verstappen’s car totals 796.5 kilograms and Iwasa’s 787. This is nearly 20 kilograms more than close rivals like Alpine and McLaren, and noticeably exceeds the minimum allowed limit of 760 kilograms. Such excess weight leads to faster tire wear, worsens handling, and reduces the team’s chances of fighting for top positions.
Impact on the season
Red Bull began the new season with high ambitions, but after just two rounds the team has only 12 points in the constructors’ standings, and Max Verstappen is 43 points behind leader George Russell. Poor results in Australia and China, where the RB22 failed to show competitive pace, have alarmed management and fans alike. According to russpain.com, Red Bull engineers are under pressure to urgently find solutions to reduce the car’s weight, or else the team risks dropping out of title contention altogether.
Within the team, it is acknowledged that the current upgrade package has not met expectations. Team principal Laurent Mekies noted that the identified shortcomings require immediate improvement, expressing hope for progress by the next round in Japan. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that reducing weight demands both time and resources, and the championship calendar leaves little room for lengthy experimentation.
Reaction and consequences
The publication of a photo from the VIP area came as an unpleasant surprise for Red Bull, as such details are usually carefully kept from prying eyes. This time, control proved insufficient, and information about the real weight of the RB22 became public. This triggered a wave of criticism towards the team and cast doubt on the effectiveness of the technical staff. Many experts believe that such leaks can affect the internal atmosphere and increase pressure on engineers and drivers.
At the same time, the Red Bull situation clearly illustrates how crucial every kilogram is in modern Formula 1. Even a slight excess weight can negate all efforts to improve aerodynamics and engine power. In fierce competition, such miscalculations can be fatal for the ambitions of top teams.
The team’s future
The photo scandal and subsequent debate over weight issues could mark a turning point for Red Bull in the 2026 season. If engineers are unable to quickly resolve the car’s weight problem, the team risks losing ground not only in the championship, but also in the eyes of sponsors and fans. Up next is the Japanese Grand Prix, where Red Bull is expected to deliver a convincing response to its rivals’ challenges. For now, however, the situation remains uncertain, and pressure on the team continues to mount.
Red Bull is one of the most recognizable brands in motorsport, repeatedly proving its ability to innovate and compete for titles over the years. The team is known for bold technical solutions and for quickly adapting to new regulations. However, this season has become a significant test: weight issues with the RB22 have put Red Bull’s usual competitiveness at risk. Formula 1 history has seen cases where such challenges sparked a technological breakthrough—or, conversely, led to a prolonged crisis. How the team responds this time will become clear in the near future.
