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The first shakedown of the 2026 Formula 1 season has concluded in Barcelona, and while the official timesheets offer limited insight, the body language of the reigning champion has spoken volumes. Max Verstappen, fresh from securing his fourth world title, appeared remarkably relaxed throughout the private testing week. According to former strategy engineer turned analyst Bernie Collins, this subtle demeanor and a tell-tale smile during interviews has sent a wave of anxiety through Red Bull’s rivals.
Dispelling the Ford Engine Myths
Heading into the new regulation era, the paddock was rife with rumors that Red Bull Powertrains might be struggling. The transition to a fully independent engine manufacturer, in collaboration with Ford, was viewed as a massive risk for the team. Speculation suggested that the new power unit was behind schedule and lacking the performance of established giants like Mercedes and Ferrari. However, the reality on track in Barcelona appears to have shattered those assumptions.
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The RB22 ran almost flawlessly throughout the week, accumulating significant mileage without the technical gremlins that often plague new engine partnerships. The only major blip was a crash by rookie teammate Isack Hadjar, which was a driver error rather than a mechanical failure. For a project starting from scratch, this level of reliability is a menacing sign for the competition. It suggests that the "struggling engine" narrative may have been wishful thinking on the part of Mercedes and McLaren.
Reading Between the Lines
Bernie Collins believes that Verstappen’s relaxed attitude is the ultimate indicator of the car's true pace. Speaking to Sky Sports, she noted that drivers, particularly one as direct as Verstappen, rarely hide their true feelings. "Max sounds very relaxed," Collins observed. "Sometimes you can read a lot from someone's attitude. He not only says it, he shows it. Even when he is sick, he looks very relaxed."
Verstappen did admit that there is room for improvement, a standard comment for any pre-season test, but his underlying confidence hints at a much darker reality for his opponents. Collins concluded that the specific "little smile" he flashed during media duties betrays a secret: he knows the car is fast, perhaps even dominant. If the Red Bull-Ford package is indeed competitive straight out of the box, the rest of the grid may already be fighting for second place before the season has even begun.
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