Max Verstappen has pointed to a “hidden factor” behind Red Bull’s improved performance at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, suggesting the team has finally begun to unlock a more workable version of their car after a difficult start to the season.
After struggling earlier in the year with balance and drivability issues, Verstappen said the RB22 has become significantly more stable following recent upgrades, allowing him to push with greater confidence in qualifying.
He explained that beyond visible aerodynamic updates, the team also discovered internal issues and setup improvements that helped make the car “more driveable,” which has been crucial in closing the gap to front-running rivals.
The Dutchman acknowledged that Red Bull’s progress is not just about one upgrade package, but a combination of refinements that have gradually improved consistency across different circuits.
While still not fully satisfied, Verstappen believes the team is moving in the right direction after a challenging opening phase of the season, where he had often struggled to extract performance from the car.
His comments come as Red Bull continue to chase McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes at the front, with signs that the gap is narrowing heading deeper into the season.
