Red Bull Racing, known for its aggressive development approach, has introduced its first major upgrade package for the 2024 Formula 1 season. Despite completely changing its car concept over the winter, the team’s development path remains remarkably similar to the previous year.
In 2023, Red Bull focused on minimizing performance losses caused by the car’s cooling requirements. This led to significant steps in refining the packaging of the side pods. The team addressed areas related to airflow, cooling, and downforce generation.
🚨 Major upgrades for Red Bull, new floor and front wing, @ErikvHaren reports
📸: @AlbertFabrega pic.twitter.com/W505KQmS4m
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 16, 2024
The team has developed a new front wing with an enlarged brake duct exit. This modification helps manage the increased brake energy demands and low average speeds of the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit.
The nose has been raised to enhance the volume of airflow available to the underfloor, which in turn affects the central section of the wing flaps. The reshaped sidepod led to subtle floor edge changes, optimizing local load distribution. These adjustments work in conjunction with upstream surfaces.
The rear wing underwent circuit-specific modifications, including a larger wing tip cutout to increase mass flow under the wing tip, resulting in more local downforce and drag.
McLaren’s 2024 F1 Upgrades that Left Behind Red Bull
In a thrilling race at the Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris secured his first-ever Formula 1 victory. The key to his success? McLaren’s substantial upgrade package for the MCL38. The team’s efforts paid off, and Norris capitalized on a well-timed Safety Car intervention to emerge ahead of Max Verstappen and clinch the win.
McLaren’s upgrade package for Miami was nothing short of substantial. The team made myriad changes to Norris’ car, effectively transforming it into a B-spec version. While teammate Oscar Piastri received half of the upgrades in Miami, the other half is set to be added for the Imola Grand Prix.
As McLaren heads to Imola, there’s excitement within the team. The Italian circuit’s characteristics could play to the strengths of the new and improved MCL38. Race engineer Will Joseph believes that the car will extract “even further benefit” in the medium and high-speed corners at Imola.
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