Red Bull bolsters Verstappen’s title chase with updated RB21 floor

©RedBull

40

Max Verstappen’s pursuit of a fifth straight Formula 1 world title shows no signs of slowing, as Red Bull extends the development of its RB21 with another batch of aerodynamic upgrades at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Dutchman sits 40 points adrift of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, having reignited his championship hopes with three wins from the past four races.

Determined to keep the momentum going, Red Bull has introduced a new floor design and cooling revisions aimed at extracting every ounce of performance from its car at the high altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

The centrepiece of Red Bull’s latest upgrade package is an evolved floor design, first seen in prototype form at Monza.

The new version features a reprofiled upper surface rearwards of the outer floor, generating additional aerodynamic load and improving the car’s overall balance.

©X/AlbertFabrega

Engineers have also reworked the edge wing to better interact with the updated floor, while tweaks to the sidepod-to-floor interface help enhance cooling efficiency.

These refinements are expected to improve airflow consistency—particularly valuable in Mexico’s thin air, where cars often struggle to generate downforce.

Cooling and Brake Upgrades for the Thin Air

At 2,200 metres above sea level, Mexico City’s cirucit is notorious for its cooling challenges. To combat this, Red Bull has revised the exit area of its engine cover to provide an optional, higher-flow configuration if temperatures spike.

©X/AlbertFabrega

The team has also introduced larger front brake ducts to cope with the heavy braking zones and reduced air density. It remains unclear whether Yuki Tsunoda will receive the full upgrade package, as Red Bull often prioritises Verstappen when debuting new components.

Other teams - namely Ferrari, Alpine, Williams, Racing Bulls, and Sauber – have brought larger cooling apertures to tackle Mexico’s unique demands. But once again, all eyes are on Red Bull’s relentless charge to close the gap to McLaren’s championship leading contenders.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.