Red Bull has once again revolutionized the aerodynamic package of the RB22, providing Max Verstappen with a convincing car that allows him to unleash his full talent. This evolutionary step is the result of the enormous amount of data gathered in recent months.
The car was validated through rigorous cross-checking between the simulator and private testing at Silverstone. The verdict from the American track is quite clear: the Austrian car is finally working and can express its full potential.
The sidepods have undergone a substantial modification. Compared to the latest update in Japan, the philosophy has radically changed: the inwash approach has been abandoned in favor of a small Ferrari-style “bathtub” gully,positioned on the top of the sidepods.
This modification aims to manage the turbulent wake directed towards the rear. The lower section of the sidepods retains a deep undercut to maximize the flow of clean air to the diffuser. To this, a downwash ramp is added at the rear, dropping the airflow down to floor level.
A Ferrari-inspired solution has also been introduced for the rear wing. We are talking about the “Macarena” wing, studied by the Milton Keynes engineers since its first appearance in pre-season testing. It’s a concept that Red Bull has sought to evolve to achieve the exact same aerodynamic goal.
The flap orientation matches that of the red car in straight-line configuration, although the rotation is inverted: a move that allows for a quicker transition by covering a shorter angular distance. This system does not generate lift, nor does it stall the diffuser; it serves solely to temporarily inhibit its extraction work, lowering induced drag on high-speed sections.
The engineers led by Waché have also drawn inspiration from Ferrari for the exhaust. In this case, the spec is different due to packaging constraints, as Ferrari designed a precise positioning of the rear crash structure right from the drawing board to act with more freedom in this area.
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Red Bull has inserted a small appendage that “plugs” a percentage of the exhaust. Its aerodynamic contribution is difficult to quantify, as it doesn’t seem to aid air extraction from the floor or accelerate the fluid under the rear wing.
Finally, on the sides of the crash structure, two high-incidence winglets stand out, emulating the work of the Ferrari appendages. Interestingly, the suspension wishbones also act as genuine aerodynamic profiles to generate upwash.
