Red Bull’s Miami upgrade explained: a decisive RB22 development shift
Red Bull arrived in Miami with one of the most extensive upgrade packages seen after the five-week break, and it quickly became apparent that the RB22 had undergone a series of significant aerodynamic revisions. While several teams introduced updates, Red Bull’s work stood out for both its scope and its implications for the car’s overall concept.
Focus shifts beyond the headline wing
Much of the early attention centred on the so-called 'Macarena' wing, but the most consequential changes were found elsewhere. The real story of the Miami upgrade lay in the reworked sidepods, which represented the most radical element of the package.
The new sidepod design features a reprofiled upper surface, sloping more aggressively and incorporating an upper air duct that channels airflow toward the rear of the car. This marked a clear departure from the RB22’s original aerodynamic philosophy and underlined a willingness from Red Bull to rethink key aspects of the car.
Although the sidepods had already been partially revised at the Japanese Grand Prix, Miami marked the debut of the finalised version of this concept.
Aerodynamic integration and rear-end intent
A defining characteristic of the new configuration is the large area of increased pressure toward the rear of the car. While the concept bears some resemblance to that used by Aston Martin on its 2024 and 2025 machines, the RB22’s sidepods are integrated in a distinctly different way, carefully adapted to fit within Red Bull’s existing aerodynamic framework.
This integration required changes beneath the bodywork as well. The car’s aerodynamics indicate that internal packaging was modified to optimise the effectiveness of the new sidepods. As part of this, the engine cover has been shaped extremely tightly around the power unit.
Miami’s hot and humid conditions made these changes particularly visible. Red Bull introduced an additional, arched cooling vent around the power source area. While its primary role is clearly thermal management, the vent also serves a secondary aerodynamic purpose: helping to guide airflow along the bodywork and through the sidepod duct toward the rear of the car.
The use of warm airflow around the exhaust further assists in controlling the thin layer of air travelling over the rear bodywork, contributing to additional downforce generation.
Performance gains and a clearer direction
On track, the RB22 appeared markedly more competitive than it had been during the opening races. The performance deficit to the leading teams in terms of pure speed has roughly halved, a step forward that can largely be attributed to the comprehensive sidepod overhaul.
That work has helped address a car that initially suffered from serious and difficult-to-correct balance issues. While not every problem has been eliminated, Red Bull has now committed to a clear and coherent development direction.
If this upward trajectory continues over the coming races, the Miami upgrade could prove to be a turning point, putting Red Bull back in contention for podiums and potentially victories as the season develops.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.