F1TECH: How did Red Bull continue its development push in Silverstone?
Red Bull Racing has continued its steady development programme for its 2026 Formula 1 car with another targeted aerodynamic update, this time focusing on the rear wheel bodywork area.
The latest change centres on the cascade winglets located inboard of the rear rims, a highly sensitive part of the car’s aerodynamic structure that plays a key role in managing airflow disturbed by the rotating rear tyres.
This update comes shortly after the team introduced a broader package at the Red Bull Ring, reinforcing the impression that Red Bull is continuing to refine its design in small, precise steps rather than relying solely on large, infrequent upgrades.
The newest revision specifically alters the geometry and element count of the cascade winglets, a detail that may appear minor on paper but can have meaningful consequences for how airflow is conditioned around the rear of the car.
In modern Formula 1 design, the airflow around the rear wheels is one of the most aerodynamically disruptive regions on the entire car. The turbulence generated there can easily degrade the efficiency of downstream components such as the diffuser and rear wing, while also affecting stability through fast corners and during throttle application on exit.
The team’s description of the change highlights two main objectives. One is the improvement of local aerodynamic load in the rear wheel region, achieved through adjustments to how the winglets are arranged and how many elements are used.
Even small changes in this area can influence the pressure distribution around the tyre and contribute to additional grip, particularly in medium-speed corners where balance and rotation are critical.
The second objective is improved flow stability, ensuring that the airflow leaving the rear wheel area remains more consistent and less sensitive to changes in steering angle or yaw. This consistency is important not only for outright performance but also for stability through a variety of corners.
