Red Bull is paying a heavy price for a decision made in 2025, as it frantically tries to catch up with Formula 1 pacesetters Mercedes in 2026.
Red Bull has endured a challenging start to 2026, sitting a disappointing sixth in the standings after three races, as it struggles with the new regulations.
Max Verstappen suffered a shock Q2 elimination in Japan, finishing a distant eighth, 32 seconds behind race winner Kimi Antonelli, failing to pass the Alpine of Pierre Gasly all afternoon.
This is a far cry from Red Bull and Verstappen in previous years, ranging from utterly dominant at the start of the ground-effect era, to missing out on the title by just two points in 2025.
Team Principal has revealed that a single decision taken by the team last season set it up for its early failure to be competitive in 2026 – its decision to develop the RB21 late into the season.
“We had every reason, with the new rules coming up for 2026 and the new engine project, to say, ‘You know what, let’s make a fresh start. 2025 didn’t work, let’s focus on 2026’, he outlined on the On the Grid podcast.
“You would have been crazy if you wanted to do it any other way.
“The truth is, however, no one wanted to do that in Milton Keynes”.
Red Bull 2026 struggles a consequence of 2025 determination?
Mekies then outlined the rationale behind the radical decision, one which has left it on the back foot at the start of this season.
Team morale and determination played a major part, Mekies revealing insight into the team during its mid-season slump.
Nobody wanted to turn the page. Everyone wanted to get to the bottom of the problems of the 2025 car and turn the tide.
“Yes, they knew there would be a price to pay for that later, but that’s how strong the fighting spirit is within the team.”
Mekies’ remarks are open and honest, as he and Red Bull continue to attempt to understand its underperforming car.
With so little confidence in the first three races, urgent upgrades are required to turn the tide again in 2026. However, given the scale of the mountain Red Bull has to climb, results will not be instant.
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