Tech F1i: Red Bull introduces new front wing amid limited updates

As Formula 1 roars back from its summer break, only a limited number of teams are showcasing their minimal technical updates at Zandvoort, with just Red Bull, Alpine, and Sauber introducing changes to their cars.

The sparse upgrades reflect a strategic pivot across the paddock, as most teams conserve resources for the revolutionary 2026 season, which will usher in all-new car designs under revised regulations.

The mandatory summer shutdown, prohibiting factory work, has further tempered development efforts, resulting in a lean update slate for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

With limited resources under the cost cap, committing engineering manpower to updates that may only deliver marginal short-term gains makes less sense when compared with preparing for a completely fresh ruleset.

As a result, the likes of McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas, Racing Bulls, and Williams have all opted to pause upgrades, effectively drawing a line under their 2024 development race.

Red Bull: A subtle tweak at the front

Red Bull have made a minor but targeted adjustment to the RB21’s front wing. The team has extended the chords on the front wing flaps, a change aimed at generating additional load through greater angle.

This tweak is designed specifically with Zandvoort’s unique high-downforce demands in mind. The new element was trialed only by Yuki Tsunoda in Friday’s opening practice, with Max Verstappen running the current-spec wing.

Alpine: Cleaning up the rear wake

Alpine’s update is located at the back of the A524. The French team has reworked its rear brake duct furniture, introducing new profile winglets.

These are intended to improve rear wheel wake management – a crucial factor for both stability in cornering and efficiency on the straights.

Sauber: Refining diffuser airflow

Sauber has also focused on the rear of its C45. The Swiss outfit has introduced an updated rear brake duct vane that alters the airflow around the car, particularly influencing how air interacts with the diffuser and rear wheels.

The goal is to improve balance and rear-end consistency — an area that has troubled the team across the season.

Eyes on the future

With most teams standing pat at Zandvoort, it’s clear that the development race for 2025 is reaching its natural conclusion. Red Bull, Alpine, and Sauber’s refinements are small in scope, more about optimization than transformation.

The real engineering battles are already shifting toward 2026, when F1’s new aero and hybrid regulations promise to reset the competitive order.

Until then, fans should expect only sporadic and incremental upgrades as teams save their biggest ideas for the sport’s next revolution.

Read also: FIA alters long-standing rule to shake up Dutch GP strategies

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