Racing Bulls explain why Arvid Lindblad received Spa upgrade package first

Racing Bulls have introduced one of their biggest aerodynamic upgrade packages of the season at the Belgian Grand Prix, but only one driver will benefit from the full package this weekend.

The Faenza-based squad has brought four aerodynamic developments to Spa-Francorchamps, including revised sidepods and engine cover, a narrower roll hoop inlet, updated front brake drums and a redesigned rear wing assembly aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency.

However, due to production constraints, the complete package could only be fitted to Arvid Lindblad's VCARB 03, with Liam Lawson set to receive the same specification at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Team principal Alan Permane admitted that deciding which driver would receive the upgrades first was far from straightforward.

"It's not so easy, and honestly, we don't like bringing updates for just one car. It was impossible for us to do it to two cars. It's a chassis modification. We had to shrink the whole hoop, and we just couldn't do that in time between Silverstone and here on both cars."

Rather than making the decision unilaterally, Permane discussed the situation with both drivers during the British Grand Prix weekend.

"What I did is I sat down with both drivers, I think it was in Austria on Saturday evening. We'd had a very good qualifying. I thought, 'Okay, while everyone's in a good mood, I'll give some bad news.

"We've got a good update coming, but we can only do one car for Spa, and the next car will be done for the race after in Budapest," noted Permane.

Permane first floated what he described as the fairest solution: delaying the upgrade until both cars could receive it simultaneously. The proposal was met with little enthusiasm.

"I first suggested that the very simple option that makes it fair is we upgrade no cars for Spa, and then both of them for Budapest. Of course, they looked at me like I was crazy, and I wouldn't have ever done that, so we didn't really seriously consider that."

Instead, Racing Bulls opted for a more light-hearted method of deciding who would receive the new specification first.

"The next thing I said is that we can flip a coin, or we can make it a little bit of fun and say whoever qualifies in front at Silverstone gets the upgrade. They both signed up for that, and that's what we did."

That qualifying contest was won by Lindblad, earning him the upgraded package for Spa.

The most significant changes are found around the sidepods and engine cover, where Racing Bulls has reshaped the bodywork to improve airflow management towards the rear of the car.

According to the team's technical submission, the revised sidepods "provide better control of the airflow passing around the side of the car," improving the quality of the airflow feeding the rear aerodynamic surfaces.

The team has also introduced a narrower roll hoop inlet, a change that improves airflow quality towards the rear wing and enhances overall aerodynamic efficiency.

At the front of the car, revised brake drum components improve airflow management around the front wheels, helping reduce turbulence generated by the rotating tyres.

Completing the package is a redesigned rear wing featuring revised mainplane and flap profiles. Rather than simply increasing downforce, the new design generates it more efficiently, offering performance gains not only at Spa's low-drag layout but also at future circuits throughout the remainder of the season.

Lawson next in line
While Lindblad benefits from the package this weekend, Permane made it clear that Racing Bulls intends to ensure fairness over the course of the season.

"I think what we'll do if it happens again later in the season, and it may happen later because we've got another big thing coming at some point, is it will go to Liam. We won't do that again. He'll automatically get it the next time."

The team principal added that involving both drivers in the decision helped avoid unnecessary tension within the garage: "We tried to put a little bit of fun into it rather than just allocating it to someone."