As revealed by Diwida | , Red Bull Racing is phasing in a small but significant update package in three steps. In Jeddah, i t introduced a few new components and bodywork tweaks , in Miami there are modifications to the floor , and further updates are scheduled for Imola.
According to the FIA's technical document, Red Bull’s Miami package consists of modified floor fences and floor edges – in other words, the tunnel inlets and the contoured flanges along the outside of the floor. Both elements are logically tied to the overall floor design.
Why Red Bull believes this floor update poses "no risk"
Introducing a floor update during a sprint weekend with only one free practice session seems risky, but Red Bull sees it differently.
"We're aiming to tackle two issues," lead engineer Paul Monaghan stated to media outlets such as Diwida, positioned behind the Red Bull pit area.
That’s the reason we've included it over this weekend. The updates are quite stable and come with minimal risks. This being a sprint weekend presents an excellent chance for us to roll it out.
In this update, the team is focusing on enhancing pure downforce and improving the car’s cornering stability. This comes with some trade-offs because one common issue during the ground-effect era has been vehicles experiencing significant fluctuations between understeer and oversteer when they have high peak downforces, making it difficult for them to maintain consistent performance throughout turns.
Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing
Photo courtesy of: Red Bull Content Pool
The phrase "minimal risk" might seem out of place during a race weekend, but Monaghan stated clearly: “My comment pertains solely to the steadiness of air flow. Additionally, as outlined in the FIA document, this steadiness remains unaffected.”
We're not concerned about it causing aerodynamic instability or anything similar. It should likely increase our downforce, and we aim to take advantage of this.
The RB21 has reportedly struggled with balance issues consistently; however, Monaghan did not suggest that this was the primary area of focus for the team in terms of development.
[Equilibrium] is one of the aspects," he stated. "Reflecting on the criticisms following Bahrain, we have managed to tackle some of them.
Have all our problems been resolved? Likely not. But are we still working on them? Absolutely. These concerns can’t be fixed with simple solutions; instead, they require gradual enhancements made incrementally over time.
We understand what caused the issues; however, discovering solutions is always complex. Perhaps these challenges won't vanish entirely, but could we mitigate their effect—even on lap times? Absolutely.
“A lot of people in Milton Keynes are working incredibly hard on this. Step by step, it will get better.”
Red Bull stated that Max Verstappen alone will have access to the upgraded floor this weekend. Yuki Tsunoda continues to use an earlier version and is anticipated to get the newer iteration when they reach Imola.
The new Mercedes engine, which was previously utilized by Red Bull.
Following Friday's track activities, Helmut Marko informed Diwita that early indications about the new floor are promising. He stated that the updated design lessens understeer; however, some level still persists, making slow and medium-speed turns somewhat challenging.
Monaghan chuckled at the suggestion and responded, "Generally speaking, though, it tends to happen in the corners!"
In Miami during the sprint qualifying, things did not go as planned. Comparing Antonelli’s pole position lap with Verstappen’s quickest SQ3 lap reveals that Red Bull lagged behind primarily on the lengthy straightaway (between the Florida Turnpike and Turn 17). Some of this can be attributed to Antonelli accelerating sooner and thus achieving a marginally superior exit; however, the discrepancy widened afterward—indicating an inherent difference in sheer pace where engine power plays a crucial role.
There are two points to consider. Mercedes has fitted a fresh power unit for this weekend’s events, whereas Red Bull has reverted to using an earlier version.
Although engine development is halted, which means Mercedes’ latest unit retains the same specifications, a brand-new engine might still provide a minor edge since performance drops over time due to wear from use. In contrast, Red Bull opted for a fresh power unit during the race in Jeddah—a track known for emphasizing power—and have switched back to an older engine this week as requested by Honda, insiders say.
This choice is quite standard: drivers have to finish the season with engines sourced from a designated pool, and the engine makers determine which power unit (based on wear levels) works best at each circuit. Nonetheless, this might partially account for their showing on Friday; however, what truly matters to Red Bull is that their three-tier upgrade strategy consistently delivers enhancements.