Red Bull makes further changes to Verstappen’s RB22 for the Madrid F1 race

Red Bull has listed both changes with the FIA as reliability updates. At the rear of the RB22, further work is being done on the new, sturdier seal around the suspension that was introduced in Monza. Winglets have now been added behind the suspension fairings. With this, Red Bull aims to regain the aerodynamic load from earlier races while retaining the new construction around the wheel.

The second change is at the front of the floor, where it connects to the chassis. Red Bull has altered both the shape and the build of the floor structure there. When this section deflects under load, the new construction should reduce local stress and prevent floor damage.

For Verstappen, the further tweak to the rear comes after a weekend in which that exact area of the RB22 again demanded attention. In Monza, he suffered rear-axle issues and described the back of his car as insufficiently compliant over bumps and kerbstones. After qualifying, the Dutchman estimated the problem cost him at least two tenths. The new changes for Madrid, however, are specifically described as reliability updates.

Of the four top teams, Mercedes has submitted the longest list and arrives with three changes. Two of those are specifically tailored to the characteristics of the Madring. The central winglet above the rear wing flap has been narrowed to reduce both drag and downforce in a ratio that Mercedes believes better suits Madrid.

In addition, an extra winglet has been placed behind the exhaust. With this, Mercedes wants to deflect the exhaust flow more strongly and generate extra aerodynamic load, again tuned to the downforce-to-drag ratio the team is targeting for the Madring.

The third change is not circuit-specific but performance-oriented. Mercedes has reshaped the leading edge of the brake drum. This should keep the airflow better attached at various steering angles, with the aim of improving the flow toward the rear of the car.

McLaren has limited itself to a single change to the rear wing. Additional elements have been added to that wing to better guide the airflow toward the mainplane and the flap. Unlike Mercedes’ changes, McLaren does not call this circuit-specific but a pure performance update for the airflow.

Ferrari is also bringing one new part. The Italians have modified the fairing around the rear section of the upper control arm of the rear suspension. Both the angle and the distribution of the aerodynamic load over that component have been changed. Ferrari describes it as a small update intended to produce localized extra aerodynamic load.

Outside the four top teams, Cadillac stands out in particular. The American team has declared two performance-oriented changes. A revised winglet on the central trailing edge of the rear wing flap should generate more rear-end aerodynamic load and improve stability in various conditions.

The diffuser has also been modified. A small vertical vane has been added to the inner trailing edge of the outer diffuser wall. With this, Cadillac aims to improve airflow through the outer floor channels and generate more load at the rear of the car.

Alpine has brought one change to the floor. An element has been added to the front section of the floor to improve local pressure distribution and airflow. According to Alpine, the change yields more efficient localized downforce.

Williams, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Haas, and Audi have not registered any new parts with the FIA for the race weekend in Madrid. As a result, six of the eleven teams are arriving with at least one change to their cars for the first Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Madring.