Red Bull Uncovers Why Verstappen Called His RB22 a 'Disaster' in Brazil

Max Verstappen's remarkable climb from a P21 start to a P2 finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was overshadowed by his frustration with his RB22. The Dutchman, known for his candidness on team radio, was quite vocal about the issues he faced during the race, describing the car's handling as a 'disaster.' The root of this dissatisfaction has now been traced back to Red Bull's decision to adjust the car's ride height in response to the wet conditions before qualifying.

This adjustment, while intended to enhance performance in the rain, inadvertently reduced the downforce generated by the car's floor. This shift altered the aerodynamic balance, making the rear of the car lighter and more unpredictable. Verstappen, ever the perfectionist, struggled with this instability throughout the race. The varying grip levels due to weather conditions only compounded the issue, leaving him unable to challenge Lando Norris for the win.

It's a testament to Verstappen's skill that he managed to secure a second-place finish despite these challenges. His sensitivity to car balance is well-documented, and while it's often a strength, it can make adapting to unexpected changes particularly difficult. Nevertheless, his ability to persevere and still perform at a high level speaks volumes about his talent.

In other news, Juan Pablo Montoya has stirred the pot by suggesting that Liam Lawson could rival Verstappen if given equal machinery. Lawson, who has shown promise with Racing Bulls, has yet to have a head-to-head battle with Verstappen in comparable cars. Montoya's comments come as Lawson secures his position with Racing Bulls for 2027, despite past tensions within the Red Bull camp.

Lawson's tenure at Red Bull was short-lived, with the team opting to send him back to Racing Bulls after just two rounds in 2025. Yet, his performances since have earned him another chance, and Montoya believes he could compete at the front if given the opportunity. However, internal team dynamics and past incidents, such as a notable clash with Verstappen in Mexico City, suggest that such a scenario is unlikely to unfold.

The Red Bull camp continues to be a hotbed of talent and competition, with drivers like Lawson eager to prove themselves against the best. For now, Verstappen remains the undisputed leader, but the prospect of intra-team battles remains an enticing subplot for fans and pundits alike.