Max Verstappen: Red Bull Is Now the Fourth Fastest Team

Max Verstappen finished fourth in Barcelona, trailing race winner Lewis Hamilton by 40 seconds. According to Verstappen, who spoke with RacingNews365, Red Bull is currently the fourth fastest team on the grid. The four-time world champion stated that the team requires performance upgrades rather than simple setup changes to improve.

Verstappen’s P4 result came after Kimi Antonelli retired late in the race. The 28-year-old lacked the speed to compete for a podium spot and faced little pressure from drivers behind him.

Lewis Hamilton won the race in a Ferrari. George Russell of Mercedes and Lando Norris of McLaren also finished ahead of the Red Bull driver.

Why did Max Verstappen finish fourth in Barcelona?

Verstappen finished fourth because he lacked the necessary pace to challenge for a podium position. While he spent much of the race in a solitary position, the retirement of Kimi Antonelli moved him up to fourth place.

The performance gap was significant. Verstappen finished 40 seconds behind Hamilton, confirming that Red Bull currently trails Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren in speed.

Did You Know? Max Verstappen is a four-time world champion and is 28 years old.

How does Red Bull plan to improve the RB22?

Verstappen told RacingNews365 that the team must deliver more performance and better upgrades. He explicitly stated that the team cannot solve their current issues by only changing the car’s setup.

The RB22 is likely to remain the fourth fastest car at upcoming circuits unless these performance gains are realized. Verstappen noted that the team is currently working on these developments.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Verstappen’s admission regarding the RB22 signals a shift in expectations. By dismissing setup changes as a solution, he highlights a fundamental performance deficit that only structural or aerodynamic upgrades can address.

What is the current competitive landscape for Red Bull?

The competition is making visible gains, as seen with Ferrari’s performance in Barcelona. Verstappen observed that this season favors teams that can successfully implement improvements.

Max Verstappen FULL TEAM RADIO After The 2026 Barcelona GP!

According to Verstappen, any team that brings effective upgrades will make a jump forward. The ultimate outcome may depend on which team achieves the largest improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Barcelona race and by how much?
Lewis Hamilton won the race in a Ferrari, finishing 40 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen.

Which drivers finished ahead of Max Verstappen?
Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris all finished the race before Verstappen.

Can the RB22 be improved through setup changes alone?
No. Verstappen stated that setup changes will not solve the problem and the team needs more performance and better upgrades.

Do you think Red Bull can close a 40-second gap with upcoming upgrades?