Red Bull’s narrow set-up window under scrutiny after US GP issues
Reports from the United States Grand Prix focused on Red Bull’s technical difficulties and the team’s narrow operating window. Naomi Schiff warned that the car’s sensitivity could affect Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar’s 2026 campaigns, while the team also pointed to damage behind Verstappen’s race struggles.
At the United States Grand Prix, Red Bull faced problems for both of its drivers in the opening stages. Isack Hadjar had a launch issue and said he wanted a clutch redesign, while Max Verstappen was short of electrical deployment out of Turn 1.
Broadcaster Naomi Schiff said Red Bull’s narrow set-up window could be compromising Verstappen and Hadjar’s 2026 Formula 1 campaigns, describing the car as operating close to a "knife’s edge". Separately, Red Bull revealed that damage played a role in Verstappen’s difficulties during the race.
After taking a podium, Verstappen told the global broadcast that the pitstops, tyres and engine braking were all "complete garbage". Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies then addressed the situation publicly following Verstappen’s comments.
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