Racing Bulls has prepared a distinctive aerodynamic package for the Italian Grand Prix, with the VCARB 03 set to debut a reversible rear wing alongside a revised blown exhaust solution. While Monza traditionally demands the lowest possible drag and maximum straight-line efficiency, the challenge created by the 2026 Formula 1 regulations means traction through and out of the chicanes will also be crucial for managing electrical energy.
Racing Bulls, currently fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, believes it can defend that position. Despite the recent rotation of drivers, Yuki Tsunoda will again race for the Faenza team at Monza, with Liam Lawson remaining on loan at Red Bull to replace Isack Hadjar. Racing Bulls heads into the Italian Grand Prix determined to keep Alpine behind, with its advantage over the Enstone team standing at just three points.
Racing Bulls brings reversible rear wing to Monza
The reversible rear wing that will make its Grand Prix debut this weekend has already been spotted in the Monza pit lane. The component was approved after being evaluated during the filming day carried out by Alan Permane’s team at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit with its two regular drivers.
At Racing Bulls, the new rear wing is simply referred to as the “reversible” wing. Ferrari calls its corresponding concept the “Macarena”, while McLaren uses the term “H-wing”.
The Racing Bulls version is intended to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the VCARB 03 and help the car achieve maximum speed at the end of Monza’s long straights. At the same time, reducing aerodynamic resistance is important for optimising the recovery of electrical energy on a circuit that is among the most demanding on the calendar in this respect.
Why traction matters more than usual at Monza in 2026
However, it would be wrong to assume that the work carried out by the Racing Bulls aerodynamic department in Milton Keynes has focused solely on reducing drag, as has traditionally been the priority at Monza.
The 2026 Italian Grand Prix presents a more complex and unusual challenge, with traction becoming one of the key factors. Teams that can generate the right amount of vertical load while negotiating and exiting Monza’s chicanes will be able to manage battery energy more effectively, allowing greater use of electrical power along the straights.
That creates a different compromise from the one usually associated with the Temple of Speed. Straight-line performance remains essential, but the car also needs enough grip through the slower sections to make the entire energy-management cycle more efficient.
New blown exhaust solution for the VCARB 03
It is therefore no surprise that the rear of the VCARB 03 will feature a new version of its blown exhaust arrangement. A new winglet is designed to improve the efficiency of the underside of the rear wing while also helping the extraction of airflow from the diffuser.
The challenge at Monza this year is to run slightly more aerodynamic load than usual without allowing that additional downforce to generate an excessive drag penalty. Racing Bulls is therefore looking for a balance that provides the traction required through the chicanes while preserving the efficiency needed on the circuit’s long flat-out sections.
Racing Bulls continues VCARB 03 weight reduction programme
There is another development programme continuing in the background. Although nobody within the team wants to openly acknowledge it, Racing Bulls is continuing to reduce the weight of the VCARB 03 designed under the technical direction of Tim Goss.
Development of the car will continue until the end of the season, and one of Racing Bulls’ objectives is to reach the minimum weight limit established by the regulations. Combined with the Monza-specific aerodynamic work, the programme shows that the Faenza team has no intention of easing off as it fights to protect fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
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