Red Bull has initiated an incremental upgrade strategy to attempt narrowing the gap with the frontrunners.
McLaren
Cars, beginning with an updated flooring setup for the Miami sprint event, which Verstappen will test.
Teams typically hesitate about implementing major floor modifications during a sprint weekend due to having only one practice session for adjustments. However, Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan states that the newly designed floor—featuring reshaped fences and edges—maintains a comparable balance profile. This allows them to add additional aerodynamic load to the vehicle without compromising the car’s stability.
“it’s fairly steady. we can incorporate it with relatively minimal risk into a sprint race since, based on our assessment, the flow steadiness remains unaffected,” monaghan stated before fp1.
where Verstappen secured third place
We’re not concerned about it being aerodynamically unstable or anything like that. It can proceed and will provide us with additional kilograms of payload, allowing us to reap the advantages.
The squad mentioned in their preliminary technical documents before the event that their updated floor fences aim to “yield a minor boost in load without compromising flow stability.” Additional refinements made to the floor have also encompassed changes to its edge wing, incorporating increased curvature designed to generate additional downforce.
Red Bull’s phased upgrade strategy, expected to include new components for races in Imola and Barcelona later this month, aims to tackle some of the handling problems that made them struggle significantly at high-temperature, rough tracks such as Bahrain. There, sixth-place finisher Verstappen lost more than 30 seconds compared to McLaren’s winning driver.
Oscar Piastri
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Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing
Photo credit: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Improving corner exit stability could assist the team in preventing the RB21 from losing traction at the rear tires, potentially being crucial for McLaren’s superior tire wear management.
If you move around excessively, your back tires might heat up more than necessary. However, as Monaghan pointed out, ‘We have taken some measures and will keep making progress.’ While we’ve tackled several issues from Bahrain, complete resolution may still be pending. Nonetheless, our efforts will persist.’
It won’t be an instant fix. The changes will come gradually through enhancements to the vehicle. We recognize what has occurred, yet truly resolving this isn’t simple. This issue might persist within the car indefinitely.
He commented, “We’re not at Harry Potter’s wizarding world where a tap from a magical wand transports us instantly. Instead, it involves meticulous and comprehensive work done by skilled professionals, and we will keep making progress. In Jeddah, I didn’t notice significant changes, which might indicate we are improving.”
