Source: Official Team Post via X
Red Bull's COTA Upgrade: Tailoring the RB22 for Verstappen
Red Bull discreetly introduced new upgrades to the RB22 at COTA to suit Max Verstappen's driving style. These modifications include a new front wing and innovative brake discs designed in collaboration with Brembo.
Ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix, Red Bull played their cards close to the chest by only formally announcing a new front wing and front corner upgrade for the RB22. However, the tweaks to the car didn't stop there, as the team sought to align the vehicle more closely with Max Verstappen's driving preferences.
Formula 1 regulations require teams to declare any aerodynamic upgrades before a race, and Red Bull complied by stating their updates were focused on reliability and performance. The front wing, which now features an additional vane, was specifically introduced to help monitor front tyre temperatures. Meanwhile, Ferrari took the spotlight with the most comprehensive upgrade package at COTA, featuring an updated floor body, floorboard, sidepod inlet, and diffuser.
In a bid to further cater to Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, Red Bull also introduced new brake discs developed in collaboration with their partner, Brembo. These discs were carefully hidden from prying eyes in the pit lane on Friday. While the initial bite of the new discs isn't drastically different from previous models, they promise greater consistency throughout the braking phase, a detail that Verstappen would certainly appreciate given his past complaints about the brakes on the RB22.
The close collaboration between Red Bull and Brembo has been ongoing, aiming to produce brake discs that meet Verstappen’s specific needs. As part of this effort, the team has been testing these new designs, which could influence the development of the RB23 for the 2027 season. This is a necessary development, given Verstappen's previous struggles with the RB22's braking performance. Earlier in the season, Karun Chandhok observed that Verstappen’s car appeared "bumpy" under braking during the Canadian Grand Prix, and issues persisted for other drivers like Isack Hadjar, who faced challenges in Baku.
As F1 enthusiasts eagerly predict the podium outcomes for the United States Grand Prix, it's clear that Red Bull's strategic upgrades are designed to enhance their competitiveness and cater to their star driver’s style. Whether these changes will propel Verstappen to the top step of the podium remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative of the 2026 season.