Red Bull's New Floor Boosts RB21, Offers Season-Long Hope for Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen's pole position at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza surprised many, as Red Bull's performance in free practice sessions suggested they weren't strong enough to beat McLaren or Ferrari.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's unexpected Monza pole wasn't solely due to his talent. It revealed a significant car upgrade from Red Bull, impacting the rest of the season and future car development. This breakthrough addresses a critical design bottleneck for the team.

The breakthrough:

A new version of the RB21's floor, modified at the Venturi channels and lower flow conditioners, has effectively improved the aerodynamic balance and distribution of downforce generated by the floor. This is not a change specific to Monza but a development with benefits expected to extend to all remaining circuits.

The details:

Monza was chosen for the introduction of this new component due to its track layout and the smoothness of its tarmac, which allowed for a precise evaluation of the gains. The team received clear confirmation that their summer development work is starting to bear fruit, also with a view towards 2026. Next year's car dynamics remain closely linked to the current generation, making this aerodynamic compromise crucial.

What's next:

This successful development suggests sustained performance gains for Red Bull and Max Verstappen for the remainder of the season. It also represents a vital step in optimizing the car's overall balance for future F1 regulations.