Miami Grand Prix: Red Bull Unveils New Floor Development Amid Limited Upgrades
Miami, FL – Red Bull Racing has introduced a new floor development for the Sprint weekend at the Miami Grand Prix, aiming to enhance performance despite limited upgrades due to a compressed race schedule. Teams face only one free practice session before Friday’s Sprint qualifying, a format that has previously posed challenges.
Notably, McLaren made significant strides at this event last year, and Red Bull is poised to close the gap. The team’s new design features repositioned floor fences and increased camber on the floor edge, intended to boost overall load and improve balance.
“Our new setup is reasonably stable,” stated Paul Monaghan, Red Bull’s chief engineer. “We can implement changes with relatively low risk because it’s a Sprint race. The workforce at our facilities has diligently contributed to this upgrade, allowing us to enjoy its benefits.”
Monaghan underscores that while flow stability remains constant, the enhancements are expected to yield increased aerodynamic load without introducing instability. “We aimed for incremental improvements rather than a complete overhaul,” he added. “We’ve addressed some complaints from Bahrain, but the resolution is complex and ongoing.”
Competing teams are also making tactical adjustments: Mercedes has altered the camber on its rear wing flap to suit the Miami circuit, while Aston Martin has modified its front wing, rear wing, and beam wing for improved performance. Williams has opted for slight alterations to its beam wing, prioritizing reduced downforce and drag, and Alpine has introduced a new front brake duct paired with enhancements to its front suspension for better airflow and cooling efficiency. Sauber has similarly updated its front suspension to optimize airflow throughout the vehicle.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming races, these developments will be crucial in navigating the unique challenges of the Miami circuit.
