Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen endured a difficult day at the 2026 F1 Japanese GP, qualifying 11th after a difficult session. Earlier in FP3, the four-time World Champion had voiced frustration over the handling of the RB22, as he struggled to get to grips with it. Unfortunately for Verstappen, those issues persisted in Qualifying, where rookie Arvid Lindblad edged him out for the final spot in Q3.
Speaking in the print media zone following Qualifying, Verstappen explained that the setup changes made between FP3 and Qualifying appeared to worsen the car. He added that the adjustments left him lacking the confidence needed to attack corners, which is crucial in Qualifying.
“I mean, we made changes all weekend, but at the same time we also have some problems in the car that we’re trying to fix. And I guess it was definitely worse in Qualifying compared to FP3.”
“So as soon as you really try to push, for me it was all over the place, it’s really not good. It also really doesn’t give you confidence to attack any corners. For me, I was just stuck. I couldn’t push more.”
Verstappen added: “Well, I mean, let’s say your drivability and stuff can always be better, but everyone will say the same thing. I don’t think that’s our biggest problem actually, because from the car side, I think we are really struggling at the moment.”
Setup changes failed to make a difference
When asked what exactly wasn’t working, Verstappen said: “Yeah, and now again, a different way. I mean, the changes that we made, not what I made, but I think for quali were not that big. So it’s, yeah, it’s just a bit tricky for me.”
While he acknowledged that the RB22’s package isn’t working, the Dutchman explained that although they’ve identified the issues, the changes ultimately appeared to hinder their performance even further in Qualifying.
“We also know there are problems. We, of course, tried to fix it over the weekend, and I guess qualifying, it actually became worse again.”
“Yeah, I mean we can see that Melbourne was better, and then somehow some things happened with the car while not even having touched the car, so that is always a big problem”, Verstappen said.
Highlighting the RB22’s narrow operating window, Red Bull and Verstappen admitted that there’s still parts to their car that isn’t working and are yet to find an optimal setup.
“Yeah, there’s just a few parts of the car that are not working how they should be working. And that’s, I think what’s limiting us to even when you make just set-up changes, like we used to do in the past, it still doesn’t respond.”
Verstappen left with no words to describe his frustration
After a tough weekend in Shanghai that appears to have carried into the 2026 F1 Japanese GP, Verstappen described how the RB22 feels to drive at the moment, saying: “Yeah, I mean, I’m not even frustrated anymore. I’m beyond that, so that’s good. I don’t know the right word in English for it. Yeah, I don’t know what to make of it.”
“There’s probably no word. There’s no word, I don’t know. I don’t get upset about it, I don’t get disappointed or frustrated by it anymore, with what’s going on, so…”, said the four-time World Champion.
While the Dutchman has been vocal about his views on the new regulations, he said the team is continuing to work towards improvements in the coming weeks. He also added that, aside from driving, there are some personal matters he needs to attend to.
“I think for sure we’ll fix it in the coming weeks or so. The rest you know how I think about the stuff, right? I don’t need to mention it again, so yeah. A lot of the stuff was for me personally to figure out. It’s [The car] not as heavy as what has been described online.”
When asked to elaborate on what he mean by personal matters, Verstappen’s reply remained cryptic, saying: “Life. Life here.”
