Red Bull Explains RB21's Performance Turnaround with Late-Season Upgrades

Red Bull's chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, attributes the recent performance surge of the RB21 to understanding the car's 'complete behavior' through a steady stream of upgrades. This development push has seen Max Verstappen secure two wins and two second-place finishes in the last four races, signaling a significant upturn after a sporadic start to the season.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's persistent development of the RB21, even with the 2026 rule changes on the horizon, underscores their commitment to understanding their current car and validating their development tools. This late-season performance boost not only reignites Verstappen's championship hopes but also lays a crucial foundation for their next-generation car, ensuring their methodologies are sound.

The Details:

• Consistent Upgrades: Red Bull has introduced a series of revisions including updates to the floor design, engine cover, and front wing throughout the season.
• Singapore Performance: A notable front wing upgrade in Singapore, designed to 'increase the camber of some wing sections to extract more load whilst maintaining flow stability,' helped Verstappen secure a front-row start and a second-place finish at a traditionally challenging circuit for the team.
• Improved Consistency: After a season of inconsistent results with only five podiums in the first 14 races, the RB21 has shown significantly improved and solid performance over the last three race weekends.
• Monaghan's Perspective: Paul Monaghan believes the car is 'better' and nearing its final form for the season. He noted that the upgrades deliver as expected, indicating Red Bull is 'getting on top of the complete behavior of the car.'
• Small Changes, Big Impact: The performance gains come from a 'combination of many little changes'—new aero parts, bodywork surfaces, and 'some other stuff'—rather than a single massive overhaul.

Between the lines:

While developing the RB21 so late into a season preceding major rule changes is unusual, Red Bull views it as critical. Team boss Laurent Mekies stated it's essential to validate their development tools and methodology with the current car. This ensures they build confidence for the '26 project, even if it comes 'at a cost' to immediate future car development, highlighting a strategic long-term approach over short-term gains.

What's next:

With six race weekends remaining, Verstappen, now with a stronger car, faces a daunting 63-point deficit to Oscar Piastri in the Drivers' Championship. However, the newfound momentum and improved 'basis of the car' suggest Red Bull will be a more consistent threat. The team expects no further major updates for the RB21, apart from potential flap trims for specific circuits like Las Vegas, as they shift focus more heavily towards the revolutionary 2026 regulations.