Red Bull Unveils Major Upgrades for Miami Grand Prix
The Miami Grand Prix has become a showcase for Formula 1 teams to unveil their latest technical innovations. According to the FIA’s technical document, ten out of the eleven teams have introduced new parts to Florida. However, Aston Martin is the only team that has not brought any upgrades, focusing instead on improving reliability and reducing weight. Meanwhile, Audi, Haas, and Mercedes have made more modest changes.
Red Bull, on the other hand, has taken a bold approach with a large-scale upgrade package for its 2026 challenger, featuring seven new components listed in the FIA document.
The ‘Macarena’ Wing: A New Aerodynamic Concept
One of the most notable changes is the new rear wing, which has drawn significant attention during the team’s filming day at Silverstone. This design, known as the “Macarena” wing, features an active aerodynamics system that allows the rear wing to rotate. While this concept was initially associated with Ferrari, Red Bull clarified that it was not inspired by them.
According to Red Bull, the idea for the rotating rear wing had been under development for some time, with the first proposals submitted to the FIA last year—just after Ferrari. The team explained that they could not implement their version earlier due to timing constraints, which is why it is being used for the first time in Miami following successful testing at Silverstone.
The Red Bull wing operates slightly differently from Ferrari’s. While Ferrari’s can rotate up to 270 degrees, Red Bull’s version rotates approximately 160 degrees in the opposite direction. Despite the differences in mechanics, the goal remains the same: to reduce drag and increase downforce.
“To allow more travel, the mechanism and attachments to the elements has been revised, necessitating a subtle altering of the third profile near the centerline,” Red Bull stated.
Sidepods and Other Key Modifications
The rear wing is not the only change to the RB22. The front wing and the inlets at the front corners of the car have also been modified to optimize airflow. The modifications aim to draw inlet air from the highest pressure source available and release it with minimal blockage.
Looking further back, the sidepods are also significantly different from the ones used in Japan. The redesigned sidepods drop off more aggressively after a kink, and a prominent waterslide feature has been added. These changes work in conjunction with an updated engine cover and a new floor.
“The revised bib geometry accommodates changes to the forward floor structure, then blends with the sidepod to meet the engine cover. Extracting more load while maintaining downstream flow stability,” the team explained.
Addressing the Weight Issue
In addition to these visible upgrades, Red Bull has also focused on reducing the weight of its 2026 car. The RB22 is still overweight compared to the minimum weight limit, but according to insiders, the excess weight has been significantly reduced since the start of the season.
At the beginning of the 2026 season, the car was approximately 12kg over the limit. With this upgrade, the excess weight should be roughly halved. The team plans to make another step during the European part of the season, likely at the Austrian or British Grand Prix, aiming to reach the minimum weight of 768kg.
Red Bull reported that the initial signals from the upgrade have been positive, which is crucial for the team’s performance correlation. In Japan, both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar indicated that the team had not yet fully understood the issues, so addressing these problems has been a key priority.
Team principal Laurent Mekies expressed hope for progress in Miami but cautioned fans against expecting immediate miracles after a difficult start to the season.
“We do not expect to have solved all our issues in one go, however we certainly aim to give Max and Isack a car they will feel more comfortable to push with. Ultimately, only the Miami track will reveal the answer to how good a job we have done and how much we still need to find.”
Additional Updates and Insights
While the focus has been on the technical upgrades, there have also been developments in other areas. For instance, the rules for the 2027 Formula 1 engines are expected to be finalized by mid-May. Additionally, Max Verstappen has indicated that he will take time to consider his future in Formula 1.
