FIA Closes Aero Loophole Used by Red Bull and Audi for 2027

The FIA has officially moved to shut down a sophisticated aerodynamic loophole exploited by Red Bull Racing on the RB22. By utilizing a specific interpretation of "floor body stay" regulations, Red Bull created a more aggressive sidepod undercut, a move that has now prompted a regulatory amendment for the 2027 season.

Why it matters:

In a sport where marginal gains in airflow management determine championship outcomes, Red Bull's ability to bypass standard radius requirements provided a distinct advantage in directing air toward the floor. This innovation was significant enough that rivals, including Audi, rapidly adopted the solution to remain competitive throughout the 2026 season.

The Details:

• The Loophole: Technical regulations generally mandate large minimum radii for sidepod surfaces to ensure smooth curves. However, Red Bull exploited a carve-out regarding "floor body stays."
• The Execution: By fitting a structural cable along the lower ridge of the sidepod, the team was able to utilize a much smaller 20mm radius.
• The Result: This allowed for a sharper, more efficient undercut, optimizing the wake and improving the cleanliness of airflow reaching the rear of the car.
• Adoption: The design first appeared on the RB22 at the Austrian Grand Prix and was subsequently mirrored by Audi during the Baku round.

The Big Picture:

This move follows the perennial cycle of Formula 1 engineering: a team identifies a regulatory gray area, the paddock mimics the design, and the FIA eventually "patches" the loophole to maintain technical parity. By reducing the allowed floor support dimension to just 5mm, the FIA effectively renders the current cable-hack configuration impossible.

What's next:

Red Bull and Audi must now return to the drawing board to redesign the lower sections of their sidepods for the 2027 season. The focus will shift toward finding new ways to optimize aerodynamic efficiency within these tightened constraints before the next cycle of pre-season testing.