Why the new Red Bull floor is not new at all

Red Bull has been the only top team in F1 to introduce significant changes at the Miami Grand Prix. However, things might not be all as they seem.

In the official FIA car submissions document, where teams must disclose any visible changes to their cars, the Milton Keynes squad declared it would equip Max Verstappen's RB21 with a new floor. But, is it completely new?

At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, RacingNews365 learned of a new floor on the Red Bull. Although, because the updates were not visible, the six-time constructors' champion was not obligated to announce it.

Because there have been developments to the front of the floor for the round in Florida, specifically the visible elements that divert flow and control Venturi channels underneath the car, Red Bull has been duty-bound to confirm the upgrade.

It is therefore, for all intents and purposes, the same floor as the one introduced at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, but with the difference of having new flow diverters at the front, which complete the current modification of the RB21's floor.

The enhancement is aimed at determining different pressures under the car and, above all, the volume of the Venturi channels at a terminal area, directly in front of the rear wheels.

These are all changes that precede a further step planned for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, in two weeks' time.

The goal, naturally, is to make the car competitive in a wider range of conditions - and therefore on different types of circuit.

This, however, is not an easy challenge, as the characteristics of the car appear to be inconsistent, as highlighted by the difficulties Yuki Tsunoda is facing compared to Verstappen, who is still the only driver capable of controlling the Red Bull's erratic behaviour.