Pressure increases on Wache as the Red Bull situation worsens.

      Pressure is increasing on Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache, as speculation rises that he may be the first prominent casualty from the team’s poor start to the 2026 season. With Adrian Newey’s exit, Wache now finds himself in the limelight, managing one of the most challenging technical roles in Formula 1, though initial indications suggest that this new phase is not progressing well. "For me, the shoes are too big for him," stated Ralf Schumacher on Sky Deutschland. Despite the rumors of termination, the German does not view a total dismissal as the immediate answer. "I wouldn’t say he should be entirely replaced. I think they need to consider bringing someone else on board—capable individuals, whether seasoned or young."

      Red Bull’s difficulties seem primarily rooted in the chassis, rather than the new in-house engine developed with Ford. Various reports indicate that the car lags over a second behind the competition, with approximately eight-tenths due to chassis issues and a minor portion linked to the power unit. The RB22 is also said to be overweight and suffers from significant balance problems, oscillating unpredictably between understeer and oversteer. "The car was virtually undrivable," remarked Max Verstappen after the Suzuka race. New updates rolled out in Japan, including a revamped underbody and sidepods, did not enhance performance, highlighting the extent of the issues. "There are several problems we still need to address. We don’t want to go through a phase like this," team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged. "I don’t think we should expect miracles in terms of closing the gap, as it is substantial."

      Verstappen’s new teammate Isack Hadjar was even more candid. "The car was genuinely undrivable—it was even dangerous," he told Canal Plus, adding that team morale has taken a hit. "It’s not good. Everyone is working diligently to understand what’s happening. Hopefully, the next version of the car will really make a difference." Schumacher feels the scenario indicates deeper underlying problems. "Now Red Bull urgently needs to address this issue. The car is clearly a disaster. How often have we seen Max Verstappen off the track lately? That never used to happen. I think something is seriously amiss behind the scenes."

      Indeed, internal strife has reportedly emerged following the exit of key personnel, while sister team Racing Bulls has become an uncomfortable point of reference, trailing just two points behind in the standings. A significant upgrade is anticipated for Miami, making the upcoming race potentially crucial for Wache’s future. Meanwhile, Verstappen is finding solace outside of Formula 1, with plans to race at the Nordschleife during the April break and prepare for the 24-hour contest in May.