Red Bull team issues statement after bizarre blunder

Red Bull Ampol Racing has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Will Brown's performance in the Supercars series, revealing that his car was fitted with an undersized engine airflow restrictor. This discrepancy, which was one millimeter smaller than the required size, has negatively impacted the car's performance throughout the 2026 season, leading to Brown's current seventh place in the championship standings.

The team, led by principal Jamie Whincup, has taken responsibility for the oversight and is investigating how the incorrect component was used. The restrictor was initially loaned for display purposes and inadvertently remained on the car. Supercars has confirmed that routine checks did not cover this specific component, and they are reviewing their procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.