Verstappen praises Red Bull's rapid Miami turnaround

Max Verstappen secured a front-row start for the Miami Grand Prix, crediting Red Bull for a significant turnaround that transformed him from feeling like a "total passenger" in his car to a competitive force. The four-time champion qualified P2, just behind pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli, marking a crucial step forward after a difficult start to the 2026 season under the new regulations.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's improved feeling with the RB22 is a critical development for Red Bull, a team navigating the steep learning curve of being a new power unit manufacturer with Ford. After languishing in ninth in the Drivers' standings, this performance signals that the team is rapidly understanding its complex package. A competitive Verstappen is essential for challenging the early-season pace-setters and turning their championship aspirations around.

The details:

• Verstappen described his pre-Miami experience as chaotic, stating the car could understeer or snap unpredictably and felt different between sessions without changes being made.
• A combination of minor regulation tweaks for the Miami event and a substantial Red Bull upgrade package allowed the Dutch driver to finally drive with his preferred style and inputs.
• He highlighted that the energy management system, a key component of the 2026 power units, is also improving with each race weekend.
• Verstappen acknowledged Red Bull Powertrains' steeper learning curve compared to established manufacturers but praised the team's progress, noting the car now feels "a lot more together."

What's next:

The focus immediately shifts to a potentially wet Miami Grand Prix, which presents a new challenge. Verstappen, one of the few drivers to have tested the 2026 cars in wet conditions, warned that they are "quite a handful" and slippery in the rain. With a 37% chance of precipitation despite the race being moved forward, Sunday will serve as another vital data-gathering session for all teams as they continue to unlock the potential of the new-generation cars.