The upgrades fitted to the RB20 at the recent Japanese Grand Prix was a change that was already planned before the Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain - at least that's according to head of engineering Paul Monaghan. Therefore, it should not be seen as a direct response to possible problems with the Honda engine's heat dissipation from the first three races. However it does represent an adjustment that ensures an improvement in airflow to the main radiator, something that was highlighting the complexity of Red Bul's cooling system, consisting of four different levels. This additional modification, by subdividing the air ducts with the various heat exchangers, has made it possible to further reduce the size of the sidepods once again, with the new air intakes leaning on the idea that small openings produce higher air velocity. The introduction coincides with the final disappearance of the gills at the base of the RB20's engine cover. The development path Red Bull has embarked on with this update also seems to directly imply that Red Bull is not pursuing Mercedes' zero pod concept anyway, as was suggested here and there at the beginning of the season.
The update
In the image above, you can see the new air vent that directs airflow through an internal duct towards the Red Bull RB20's heat exchanger.
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