Waché background: Miami updates decisive for his future in Red Bull

Red Bull RB22, chassis under attack Red Bull’s start to the season was decidedly far from expectations: out of three grands prix in 2026, the best placing achieved was Verstappen’s sixth place in Melbourne. In particular, there is a lot of dissatisfaction in the team with the performance of the chassis, and on this aspect one of the background stories revealed by the F1-Insider newspaper is very indicative: “Red Bull sources believe they are 1 second behind the leader and it is said that 0″8 of that second is due to the chassis and only 0″2 to the engine”.
The RB22 is undriveable, according to both Verstappen and Hadjar, and this has increased the pressure on technical director Pierre Wachè. Wachè at risk What was said yesterday was also confirmed by the Germans at F1-Insider: Pierre Wachè’s future in Red Bull is more than ever at risk. The French technical director would have lost the trust of his men, so much so as to arouse internal gossip: “He had boasted that his car would be 1” faster than the Racing Bulls. Now, however, the Racing Bulls is not only as fast as the Red Bull, but also easier to drive and therefore more predictable. And a team insider explained: ‘With a Racing Bulls, Max would certainly start further up the grid.’ Miami already decisive? The departure of chief designer Craig Skinner, which occurred in mid-February, is also linked to misunderstandings with Wachè. Furthermore, the updates brought to Suzuka made the RB22 worse rather than better, which is why – again according to F1-Insider – “the Miami race already risks being Wachè’s last: if the update package turns out to be another flop, the Frenchman’s days will be numbered”.