Red Bull finds itself struggling to keep up at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with its rear wing generating significantly more drag compared to its competitors.
To optimize straight-line speed for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, Red Bull opted for a streamlined rear and beam wing configuration. Rather than crafting a setup specifically tailored to the Las Vegas circuit, the team adapted its low-drag solution similar to the one used in the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit, albeit with even more aggressive trimming of the flap this time. Despite these efforts, the team found itself up to 7 km/h slower than rivals in some FP1 speed traps.
To address this shortfall, Red Bull further reduced the drag by cutting away additional material from the upper flap’s trailing edge. In images from the paddock, mechanics are seen carefully trimming the carbon fiber along a pre-drawn guideline while another cleans up the debris. This modification not only enlarges the crescent-shaped cutout but also extends into the central V groove, removing most of the material around the DRS anchor point.
The beam wing also reflects these efforts, with Red Bull installing a single-element design that has been substantially trimmed along the trailing edge. The result is a jagged, full-chord section in the middle framing the exhaust’s tailpipe.
In addition to these changes at the rear, Red Bull has made adjustments to the front wing. The team introduced flaps with reduced camber and chord length to better balance the car’s overall downforce between the front and rear.
Curiously, Red Bull has also opted for what is considered its higher-downforce engine cover. First introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix, this engine cover is more tapered at the rear compared to the cooling inlet and raised configuration used earlier in the 2024 Formula 1 season. While this older layout was used in low-drag setups at circuits like Monza and Azerbaijan, it has yet to reappear in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has implemented a new, non-circuit-specific floor fence upgrade in its ongoing quest for performance late in the season. The updated second inboard floor fence is now positioned higher above the floor’s tideline and angled to generate a vortex that enhances airflow over the floor’s upper surface. Additionally, the fence below the tideline has been reshaped with a more squared-off leading edge compared to the previous design.
These developments highlight Red Bull’s relentless pursuit of refinement, even as the 2024 season approaches its final stages. However, the Las Vegas circuit has exposed challenges in their aerodynamic package, leaving the team with work to do to optimize its performance for this unique venue.
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