Red Bull Racing is now firmly focused on the development of its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the RB22, which according to early information is expected to feature significant and potentially groundbreaking innovations in its suspension system. With the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship already past its halfway point, the deadline is rapidly approaching for all teams to finalise the definitive designs of their 2026 cars. However, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has not yet released the final and complete set of technical regulations for the new generation of Formula 1 machines, which will undergo a radical transformation in both power unit architecture and aerodynamic philosophy. These are extremely sensitive areas that will test every engineering department in the paddock. Red Bull Racing, which in recent years has set the benchmark for suspension design and execution, is now aiming to continue that legacy with the RB22, as the first technical details start to surface.
The current technical cycle of so-called “wing cars” is now nearing its conclusion. Nevertheless, several aerodynamic and mechanical concepts that have been applied from 2022 to 2025 could carry over into the next era of Formula 1 car design. Ground-effect cars will not disappear, as ground effect remains the key principle that allows these machines to run extremely close to the asphalt, generating high levels of downforce from the underbody airflow.
What will change, at least partially, is the way in which airflow is managed underneath the new cars. The 2026 Formula 1 machines will be something of a hybrid between the current wing car concept and elements of the previous generation of vehicles. The design of the floor and the diffuser confirms this hybrid nature. The floor is expected to be flatter in its overall profile, with none of the pronounced three-dimensional sculpting that is currently common. The diffuser, on the other hand, will still feature a similar basic concept to today’s but with a less aggressive profile. All of these changes, combined with other planned modifications, will inevitably lead to a noticeable reduction in the amount of downforce generated by the car’s underbody.
Red Bull Racing: suspension more crucial than ever
In the upcoming technical cycle, where cars will inevitably suffer from a clear reduction in aerodynamic load, the grip generated at the tyres’ contact patches with the tarmac will become even more critical. The management of the tyres—closely linked to suspension behaviour—will take on greater importance starting from 2026. This is already proving to be a decisive factor in the current season, which has so far been dominated by the McLaren Formula 1 team. The exceptional stability of the McLaren MCL39, and its ability to minimise body roll or almost completely eliminate it through corners, is one of the key factors making it so competitive and difficult to beat.
With the RB22, Red Bull Racing is working to develop a suspension concept that is both extremely competitive and highly sophisticated, although also inherently complex to fine-tune. According to exclusive information gathered by our editorial team, the Austrian team is evaluating a multi-link rear suspension design that will work in conjunction with a push-rod geometry, continuing the layout already used on the RB21.
This multi-link arrangement involves the use of multiple independent arms connecting each rear wheel to the chassis. The advantage of such a system is the ability to achieve extremely precise control over critical suspension parameters such as camber, toe (convergence), and caster (incidence) throughout the suspension’s range of motion. The result is a larger and more consistent tyre contact patch with the track surface, which can significantly improve mechanical grip. Furthermore, it provides engineers with greater flexibility in adjusting the car’s set-up to suit different types of circuits and varying weather conditions.
However, this approach also comes with drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the greater complexity in set-up work, requiring meticulous fine-tuning and more time during car development and race weekends. Another drawback is the increased weight compared to simpler suspension designs, which can impact overall performance if not properly managed. In addition, multi-link systems are extremely sensitive to even minor set-up changes, meaning that optimising them demands significant resources, both in terms of engineering expertise and track testing time.
For Red Bull Racing, the decision to potentially adopt such a solution underlines just how critical suspension performance will be in the 2026 era of Formula 1, where the reduced aerodynamic efficiency will force teams to extract every possible advantage from mechanical grip. The RB22 project therefore represents a pivotal step for the Milton Keynes-based team, as it aims to continue its dominance in a radically altered competitive environment.
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