Red Bull and McLaren acknowledge that their efforts for 2025 negatively impacted their performance at the beginning of 2026.

      "It was an amazing comeback."

      Both Red Bull and McLaren acknowledge that their sluggish start to the 2026 season is partly a consequence of pushing their development late into last year’s championship battle. Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, stated that they consciously carried compromises into the new regulatory period. "What transpired in the latter part of last year is something we're likely to remember for a long time," he remarked. "It was an incredible comeback—no one wanted to surrender." Mekies admits that this decision came with repercussions. "Indeed, we continued pushing late to understand what restricted last year’s project, as we believed it was crucial not only for that season but also for the future," he explained. "Our starting point wasn't ideal, and that’s unavoidable." Nevertheless, he asserts that the team would make the same choice again. "If we had to choose again, we would absolutely do it the same way," Mekies stated. "Does this explain all our current issues? No, that would be an excuse. It’s a mix of factors." Red Bull is introducing updates in Miami, with reports indicating that the RB22 has significantly reduced its weight since the initial races. "We don't anticipate that all our issues will be resolved at once," Mekies maintained. "But we certainly want to provide Max and Isack with a car they feel more confident pushing." At McLaren, Lando Norris echoed a similar sentiment. "That's the cost of winning the world championship and putting all your eggs in one basket," he said when asked if achieving world champion status impacted their early pace in 2026. "But now is the time to focus on developments and upgrades." Both teams are expected to roll out significant update packages in Miami as they strive to narrow the gap to early frontrunners Mercedes and Ferrari. Former driver Ralf Schumacher believes Ferrari, in particular, may soon exert pressure. "I think they’re still quite strong. Externally, they seem almost euphoric," he commented. "In any case, it will get tighter for Mercedes, I’m quite certain of that."