Red Bull expect “close to nothing” from their current Formula 1 car to carry over to 2027 despite Max Verstappen’s recent return to winning form.
Technical director Pierre Waché says the team has identified gains across the aerodynamics, packaging and mechanical design of the RB22, with both the chassis and gearbox set to change for next year’s RB23.
“More or less close to nothing will transfer, because there are plenty [of areas] we think we have identified we can improve,” Waché told RacingNews365.
Red Bull will retain some components, but Waché said the amount would be “very small” as work gathers pace on the second car built under the current regulations.
Red Bull turn focus to RB23
The decision comes after a sharp improvement in Red Bull’s form. An upgrade introduced in Azerbaijan helped make the RB22 more predictable before Verstappen delivered the team’s first Grand Prix victory of 2026 in Malaysia. He then won the Sprint and Grand Prix in Singapore.
Waché has said the car is now more connected for Verstappen, although Red Bull still sees room to improve its behaviour over kerbs and the compromise between low and high-speed performance.
Team principal Laurent Mekies has already confirmed there will be no further major upgrades this season, with most development resources switched to 2027. Red Bull will continue using the remaining races to gather information that can feed into the new car.
Building so many new components comes with its own complication under Formula 1’s cost cap. Waché admitted the approach is “not good for the budget cap”, but Red Bull believe there are enough areas of the RB22 still to improve to justify making substantial changes for next season.
Keep up with the latest F1 developments
Follow the latest Formula 1 news, technical developments and analysis on Read Motorsport.
Comments.
Loading comments…