Verstappen Says Recurring Rear Fault Left Red Bull’s RB22 Bouncing at Monza
The four-time champion warned the persistent rear component failure has cost lap time and must be fixed or replaced before the race or Red Bull will struggle to turn pace into results.
Overview
- Max Verstappen publicly identified a long‑running fault in a rear component of the RB22 that he says has 'been bothering us for years' and can break or seize unexpectedly.
- The failure robs the car of ride control so it 'bounces' over kerbs and bumps, which Verstappen says makes the car inconsistent and costs low‑speed lap time.
- Red Bull appeared to improve the car in FP3 at Monza but the same fault recurred before qualifying, ruining Verstappen’s final run and leaving him sixth on the time sheets before a promotion to fifth on the grid.
- The team has tried to fix the part but has not found a permanent solution, and parc fermé rules plus lost Friday mileage from mandated rookie running reduced opportunities to diagnose or change components.
- The issue has shaped Verstappen’s approach this season and could decide Sunday’s result; the race will reveal whether the team can replace or fully cure the component under the weekend’s operational limits.