Source: Official Team Post via X
Gary Anderson Highlights Red Bull's Ingenious Design Advantage Over Mercedes
Gary Anderson has identified a clever design feature in Red Bull's car that gives Max Verstappen an edge over Mercedes. This innovation could be a game-changer as Red Bull looks to close the gap in the Constructors' Championship.
Red Bull has seemingly wrestled some of the competitive edge away from Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, largely thanks to Max Verstappen's back-to-back victories at Sepang and Singapore. Despite Mercedes being on track to comfortably secure the Constructors' Championship, Red Bull has found a way to disrupt their flow with a series of technical innovations.
Gary Anderson, a former F1 technical director, has pointed out an intriguing detail in Red Bull's design that might be tipping the scales in their favor. According to Anderson, Red Bull's sidepod design incorporates a unique feature that gives them an aerodynamic advantage over their rivals. Unlike most teams that have adopted a straightforward downwash sidepod, Red Bull has retained a raised outer section, creating a gully inboard akin to Mercedes' sidepod in profile.
This design tweak is more than just aesthetic. Anderson explains that it helps manage airflow over the sidepods and directs it around the gearbox, rather than simply increasing flow across the entire width. The result? Improved diffuser performance, particularly in the central section where it often struggles.
Moreover, Red Bull has pushed the boundaries further by exploiting a gray area in the regulations regarding the sidepod's upper corners' radii. Most teams adhere to the minimum allowed radii, but Red Bull has introduced a sharper corner radius. This clever manipulation of airflow creates a vortex along the sharp corner, enhancing downforce on the rear brake ducts' turning vanes and, subsequently, boosting the diffuser's efficiency.
Despite Mercedes' dominance for much of the season, Red Bull's recent form hints that they are building momentum for 2027. Max Verstappen might not be in the hunt for the championship title this year, but with Red Bull's ongoing development, he's certainly positioning himself as a strong contender for next season. Even championship leader Kimi Antonelli acknowledges the threat Verstappen poses, describing the prospect of him catching up as 'scary.'
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how this technical tussle unfolds, especially with Red Bull gaining ground. While Mercedes might be scratching their heads over their latest upgrades, Red Bull seems to be on a roll, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the coming races.