Red Bull says budget cap limits development rate; focus shifting toward 2027 car
Red Bull acknowledges progress is limited by the budget cap and that while some updates remain possible, major work is being redirected to next season’s car development.
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Mekies acknowledged the team cannot maintain the same development rate it had earlier in the year because of the budget cap.
Verstappen noted some updates will still be introduced for the 2026 car but that the focus has shifted towards the 2027 package.
Team statements frame the decision as balancing remaining 2026 upgrades with preparing next year’s car.
Verstappen has described the weakness as ‘car degradation’ — a loss of performance and predictability over a session or race.
Mekies said the issue is complex, progress was made in Madrid but not enough to eliminate the behaviour.
The team expects the underlying problem could influence performance into 2027.