Topic
Red Bull's RB22 carries a 62.8 lb weight excess above the 768kg minimum limit, causing a performance penalty of approximately 1.00 second per lap. This massive weight deficit creates handling instability and prevents the car from competing with the lighter Mercedes W17.
Max Verstappen faced significant rear-end instability at the Circuit of the Americas due to unexpected tyre degradation. George Russell noted that Red Bull's qualifying advantage narrows during races as increased ride height reduces aerodynamic benefits.
Max Verstappen faced significant bottoming issues with the RB21 at COTA due to aggressive rear axle ride height. Red Bull engineers resolved the stability struggle by raising the car, allowing Verstappen to secure pole position in the Sprint qualifying.