The FIA has officially documented Red Bull’s comprehensive upgrade package for the Japanese Grand Prix, as the Milton Keynes team attempts to address their early-season struggles that have left Max Verstappen trailing championship leader George Russell by 43 points after just two rounds of the 2026 campaign.
Red Bull’s challenges this season extend beyond mere performance deficits compared to Ferrari and Mercedes. The team has been plagued by reliability concerns, with Verstappen forced to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix due to an ERS failure, while teammate Isack Hadjar suffered an engine failure in Australia as the squad adjusts to their new power unit manufacturing responsibilities.
According to the official FIA technical document, Red Bull has introduced a redesigned sidepod inlet aimed at improving airflow conditioning and boosting overall efficiency and performance. The modifications required corresponding changes to both the engine cover and floor components to accommodate the new inlet configuration. Additionally, the team has implemented minor adjustments to the rear wheel bodywork specifically to handle the braking energy demands characteristic of the Suzuka International Circuit.
Verstappen’s frustration with the current situation has become increasingly visible, with the four-time world champion publicly criticizing the new F1 regulations as a “joke” following the Chinese Grand Prix. His displeasure extended to media interactions in Japan, where he reportedly excluded a journalist from his press session over questions stemming from last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reigniting previous tensions.
The Dutch driver’s struggles represent a stark contrast to his 2025 performance, where despite Red Bull lacking the fastest car overall, his exceptional driving secured eight race victories and brought him within two points of a fifth consecutive title. His former teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s inability to score more than 30 points across 22 race weekends highlighted the RB21’s limitations, yet Verstappen’s talent masked many of the car’s deficiencies.
Even Verstappen’s racing activities outside Formula 1 have provided little respite from his current misfortunes. Despite winning an NLS race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife last weekend, he and his team were subsequently disqualified for exceeding maximum tire usage limits, adding to what has become a challenging start to 2026 across all his motorsport endeavors.