F1, Red Bull: new front wing upgrade to optimize the RB21
Red Bull is not letting up. The Singapore Grand Prix sees a new development on the RB21 that, while it may seem minor at first glance, is actually decisive for the inherent characteristics of the Austrian car. The update focuses on the front wing, a component responsible not only for providing downforce to the front of the car but also for directing airflow toward the body. The objective is clear: stabilize the car and control the persistent understeer.
Red Bull’s move to correct the RB21’s behavior
For the 18th round of the 2025 championship, the Milton Keynes team is introducing an additional front wing upgrade on the blue racing car. Just days ago, our editorial team explained how important this component is for the RB21’s performance, even though many might overlook its impact.
Paul Monaghan had also commented on this, explaining in simple terms how the technical team led by Pierre Waché decided to focus attention on the RB21’s front end. This was a crucial move, even if externally the changes may not appear to have a huge effect. In Formula 1, every element matters, and even a minor issue can negatively affect the car’s overall performance.
We examined why the front wing is one of the areas Red Bull has concentrated on most, in an effort to reduce the car’s persistent lack of rotation—a problem that has frustrated Max Verstappen in every practice session and negatively affected the car’s performance.
During the middle part of the season, the Belgian talent, and reigning Formula 1 world champion, frequently reported significant understeer that he struggled to manage. In response, the team was forced to gradually increase the front wing’s angle until reaching the maximum range of adjustments allowed.
This created the need for multiple upgrades: a series of small but targeted improvements to expand the car’s adjustment range for race weekends. For example, at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Red Bull introduced a new front wing specification with a different load distribution across its entire width. A few weeks later, a similar evolution was brought for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Further technical updates to maximize performance in Singapore
Technically, the chord of several profiles on the front wing has been increased. Marina Bay is a demanding street circuit that places significant stress on the rear of the car, but at the same time imposes considerable effort on the front end as well. There are many corners that require complex entries, where the driver must simultaneously manage braking and steering.
For this reason, teams struggling with a lack of front-end rotation must pay special attention to this aspect when setting up the car. This is compounded by the high levels of downforce required on this track, which inevitably shifts the center of pressure toward the rear.
Currently, Red Bull appears to be running the rear wing previously seen at the Monaco Grand Prix, a track where the car’s performance was not ideal. This rear wing will be paired with the newly updated front wing for Singapore. It will be extremely interesting to see what type of handling characteristics result from combining all these factors, and how Max Verstappen will adapt to the improved balance of the RB21 on the demanding Marina Bay circuit.
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