Formula One car development blog

Red Bull add delta wings for extra downforce

By on

Although tested at the latest test at Jerez, the Singapore event is the first time Red Bull will race their car with the new delta wings on it. The new wings are a mixture of the antlers on the McLaren MP4-23 and the very first ones of BMW Sauber. The approach to the design was however fairly simple as far the the wings concern. The profile is a simple, zero inclination aerofoil with a fairly high thickness. The roots of the wings on the other hand look very much inspired to the F1.08.

Red Bull copy bridge linkage from McLaren

By on

As one of the final developments of this year, Red Bull have changed the obligatory linkage of the bridge wing. As of the introduction of the rule, Red Bull connected the bridge wing with a simple pillar where the bridge is closest to the nose cone. At the moment this is still the case for most of the teams, including Toro Rosso. However, now they have modified the link to be identical to McLaren's version. The Woking based team used this type of link already from the first race aft... Read more

Red Bull add downforce to bridge wing

By on

Red Bull have developed an extra large bridge for its front wing at Monaco. In an attempt to create additional downforce, the chord length all over the span has been increased, allowing to better redirect airflow. At both sides, the Monaco spec also features wing gaps, a novelty for Red Bull but a well known solution for McLaren already. The slot opening also allows for a higher angle of attack of the upper element, as is also indicated in the image.

Red Bull add extended sidepod panel, wheel fairings

By on

Sidepod panels that extend down to the barge boards are the new must-have. Red Bull have created their version on the idea, rather similar to Renault's design. It appears as if the two teams are working together, as on the same day, Renault introduced its Red Bull style engine cover. The new panels help to streamline turbulent air from behind the rear wheel and can potentially add quite some downforce at the back end of the car. Part of that extra downforce is also provided by the n... Read more

Red Bull also revert to inboard mirrors

By on

After Renault did so at their car launch and Toyota at Melbourne, Red Bull have now apparently also removed their outboard mirrors and replaced them with their previous design. On Friday there was no change compared to the Melbourne spec but as of Saturday morning, both cars were adapted with the now more favourable design. While it is unclear if this is a temporary change, it is understood that the move was to solve the reduced visibility.

Red Bull develop jagged barge boards

By on

Red Bull have recently developed a new barge board and introduced it at the Australian GP. It was used again in Malaysia and is likely to stay on the RB4. The new carbon panel also features a jagged upper edge, similar to Ferrari's design of several years. The jags are however not rectangular which makes it different from other designs.
Besides the main panel, there is a new, smaller panel ahead of the main barge board which helps direct airflow around the sidepods. The two boards a... Read more