Red Bull Racing’s Latest Updates: A Closer Look at the Miami Package

In a strategic move, Red Bull Racing is phasing in a three-step update package. The team introduced a few new components and bodywork tweaks in Jeddah, with modifications to the floor being unveiled in Miami, and further updates scheduled for Imola. According to the FIA’s technical document, Red Bull’s Miami package consists of modified floor fences and floor edges, enhancing the tunnel inlets and contoured flanges along the outside of the floor.

Understanding the Rationale Behind the Floor Update

Despite introducing a floor update during a sprint weekend with only one free practice session, Red Bull Racing sees minimal risk. As chief engineer Paul Monaghan explained, “We’re trying to address two things… The updates are relatively stable and involve little risk.” The team is targeting pure downforce and improved cornering balance, addressing a recurring issue in this ground-effect era where cars with high downforce peaks often struggle to sustain those peaks all the way through corners.

Monaghan clarified that the stability of the airflow is not affected by this update, and while balance has been a persistent issue with the RB21, it hasn’t been the team’s principal focus of development. “Balance is one of the things… We know what went wrong, though finding solutions is never simple.” Red Bull Racing confirmed that only Max Verstappen has access to the updated floor this weekend, with Yuki Tsunoda expected to receive the new version in Imola.

The Impact of Mercedes’ New Engine and Red Bull’s Return to an Older One

After Friday’s on-track action, Helmut Marko revealed that initial signs regarding the new floor are positive. According to him, the new design reduces understeer – although a degree of it remains, making slow and medium-speed corners a weak spot. Monaghan laughed when asked whether that’s really where the issue lies: “Well, in general, it’s in corners!” During the sprint qualifying in Miami, however, that didn’t quite turn out to be the case. A comparison of Antonelli’s pole lap and Verstappen’s fastest SQ3 lap shows that Red Bull also lost ground mainly on the long straight.

The explanation here is twofold. Mercedes has installed a new power unit for this weekend, while Red Bull has returned to an older one. While engine development is frozen, a fresh power unit can still offer a slight advantage due to outright performance declines with accumulated usage cycles. Red Bull used a fresh power unit in Jeddah – a true power circuit – and has reverted to a used engine this weekend at Honda’s request. This decision is nothing out of the ordinary, as drivers must complete the season using engines from a so-called pool, and engine manufacturers decide which power unit (in terms of wear) is best suited for each track.

Despite these challenges, Red Bull Racing remains optimistic that their three-step update plan will bring consistent improvements. The team continues to work tirelessly to address the issues and gradually improve the car step by step.