F1 Red Bull upgrades: beyond Ferrari solutions there is more
Red Bull introduces a large upgrade package aimed at correcting the weaknesses of the RB22 that became evident during the opening races of the season. The Milton Keynes-based team has developed several new components, mainly focused on the bodywork and the floor. At the rear, however, two interesting solutions make their appearance: an inverted movable wing profile and a partially blocked exhaust layout, both clearly inspired by Ferrari. After the first kilometres on track, Max Verstappen gave a positive assessment of the changes, but he also made it clear that the development path is still long.
How the RB22 changes
The first noticeable update on the Red Bull is the introduction of a keel element under the chassis, located at the leading edge of the central floor. This is a component commonly seen on most modern Formula 1 cars. Moving towards the sides, the team has also revised the inlet section of the floor channels. In particular, the second external bulge on the upper surface is no longer visible, as it has now been integrated into the bodywork.
As a result, the sidepod becomes wider, acting as a protective shield against the turbulence generated by the front wheels and pushing it outwards instead of allowing it to contaminate the underfloor airflow.
The same design evolution can be seen at the rear, where Red Bull has abandoned the tight “coke bottle” tapering and the concept of pulling external airflow towards the centreline. Instead, the rear section of the sidepods remains wider all the way to the rear wheels, while the area around the gearbox now collects airflow channelled from the upper bodywork.
Red Bull, which already moved towards a more aggressive sidepod philosophy with developments introduced at Suzuka, has further carved out the floor edges, similar to concepts used during the ground-effect era. In this way, the sidepod now features an external raised section that acts as a physical barrier against turbulent air. Immediately behind the cockpit, two large cooling exits have been added, necessary to cope with the extremely high temperatures expected in Miami.
Finally, diveplanes have been added on the outer section of the front wing, designed to help manage and reduce the turbulent wake generated by the front wheels.
Ferrari-inspired solutions
What also stands out on the updated RB22 are the solutions inspired by the Ferrari SF-26, although interpreted in a different way. The exhaust outlet has been lowered, but more importantly, a vertical element has been added that partially blocks its exit section.
Red Bull did not have the time or aerodynamic freedom to implement a full flap element like Ferrari did, but this confirms that the concept itself is based on partially restricting the exhaust flow. Understanding exactly how this solution works remains extremely complex, so much so that even McLaren Chief Designer Rob Marshall has stated that interpreting what others are trying to achieve is never straightforward in modern Formula 1.
From the rear view, another interesting update is visible: the new engine cover shape, with a more flattened rear exit. The team has also revised the suspension wishbone fairings, as well as several aerodynamic elements mounted around the wheel assemblies.
Even more intriguing is the new rear wing concept, designed to invert the movement of the wing profiles, similar in philosophy to Ferrari’s “Macarena” solution, although with important differences in execution.
For example, Red Bull does not use a lateral actuator, keeping a central structure that has been modified compared to the start of the season. This configuration forces the wing elements to rotate backwards, moving in the opposite direction compared to Ferrari’s design.
Finally, on the RB22, the opening of the movable elements reaches an even greater distance relative to the main profile, which helps reduce aerodynamic drag on the straights.
A step forward
Max Verstappen described the upgrades as “a very positive step forward” compared to March, when he had labelled the car as undriveable and suffering from clear balance issues. The sector times in Miami’s first sector confirm that Red Bull still has some downforce to recover, while straight-line performance remains strong and competitive.
The direction of development now appears to be the right one, but it will be crucial to continue along this path consistently in order to return to the very top of the field.
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