As the 2026 Formula 1® season nears its conclusion, Red Bull Racing is shifting its focus towards the development of its 2027 car. Drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have highlighted the importance of using the remaining races this year as a testing ground to experiment and learn, aiming to build a stronger package for the following season.
With seven or eight races left in the 2026 calendar, depending on the Middle East schedule, Red Bull’s priorities have narrowed down to two main objectives: avoiding a winless season for the first time since 2015 and gathering as much data as possible to prepare for 2027. Verstappen has pointed out that these final races provide an ideal opportunity to test different track types and conditions, which will inform the design and development of next year’s car.
Both Verstappen and Hadjar have urged the team to embrace mistakes during this phase, viewing errors as valuable learning experiences rather than setbacks. Hadjar emphasized that making mistakes now is crucial to being fully prepared for the challenges of the 2027 season, where the team hopes to return to title contention. Verstappen has also shared ideas for significant changes to the car’s chassis and power unit to improve competitiveness and reduce tyre degradation, changes that cannot be applied to the current car due to chassis and budget cap restrictions.
The recent upgrade introduced at the Baku Grand Prix was the last major update for Red Bull this season. Verstappen described it as a decent step but stressed that a much larger improvement is needed for 2027, encompassing all areas of the car including the chassis and power unit. While development of the power unit is limited by the allocation of ADUO tokens, the team still has room for fine-tuning within those constraints.
Hadjar confirmed that he shares Verstappen’s view on the scale of structural changes required for the 2027 car. Both drivers see this late-season period as a critical time for experimentation, even if it means sacrificing immediate race results. The emphasis is clearly on learning and development rather than championship contention, as Red Bull seeks to regain its competitive edge in the coming season.
Red Bull’s approach reflects a broader strategy in Formula 1® where teams use the closing races of a transitional season to gather insights and data that will shape future performance. Verstappen and Hadjar’s willingness to push the limits and accept mistakes underlines the team’s commitment to long-term progress. The focus on significant upgrades for 2027 highlights the challenges posed by current technical and budget restrictions, making the insights gained now all the more valuable.
This strategy positions Red Bull to better understand how to adapt to different circuits and conditions, which could be vital for the design and development of their 2027 Formula 1® car. The team’s cautious yet forward-looking stance aims to balance the need for immediate competitiveness with the necessity of preparing for a more successful future campaign.