Explained: The dramatic Red Bull F1 car changes unveiled in Miami

Red Bull was quick to attract attention in Miami as it unveiled quite a substantial upgrade upon the sport's return to action.

Between all the of the new elements, the revised Red Bull car can essentially be divided into three main areas.

But these all aim to make the car’s behaviour much more predictable compared to what was seen in the first three races. 

Below, you can find a more detailed analysis of each significant upgrade.

Front wing

Red Bull has revised the front section of the RB22, equipping the car with a completely different front wing.

The most notable changes involve the endplates, which now feature horizontal profiles that direct turbulence downward in the lateral section ahead of the wheels. 

This is far more significant than it might seem at face value, in terms of managing airflow directed toward the central part of the car.

New sidepod profile

The work carried out by the Milton Keynes engineers on the sidepods is very important. 

They are now equipped with a rearward ramp extending all the way to just ahead of the rear wheels. 

Essentially, the fundamental concept of airflow management in this area of the car has been deeply reworked, aiming for greater predictability in the car’s behaviour, especially in corners.

Rear end

Arguably, the most eye-catching element is the “Macarena” wing, which creates a huge slot in the rear wing when the car is running in straight mode.

But the changes around the engine cover and especially the new exhaust configuration are no less significant. 

The exhaust now follows a different path, aiming to exploit the pressure of the exiting gases to create a large low-pressure area beneath the main wing profile, ensuring downforce and load generation even when the wing flap is fully open on the straights.

Undoubtedly, airflow management - also as a driving force for the flow passing through the diffuser - represents a shift toward a different aerodynamic concept. 

In practice, this relates to a different aerodynamic map, meaning how and where downforce is generated and how it is transferred during cornering.