Red Bull Unveils New Nose and Front Wing on RB21 in Bahrain Testing
Read next: Formula 1 World Champions — A legacy of racing legends
Red Bull Unveils New Nose and Front Wing on RB21 in Bahrain Testing
Red Bull has wasted no time in making adjustments to their RB21 during day three of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. The team introduced a new nose and front wing configuration, marking the start of a new phase in their testing program. While not radical, these updates are significant as they aim to fine-tune the car’s aerodynamics, adjusting the balance of the vehicle and optimizing its performance for the season ahead.
Red Bull’s New Nose and Front Wing Design
The changes to the RB21’s front end are aimed at improving the car's overall behavior. The most noticeable modification is the new, shorter nose tip. The updated nose now sits on the second element of the front wing, rather than the mainplane, a configuration Red Bull previously used on the RB19. This alteration reduces the length of the nose, which is expected to have a positive impact on the car's aerodynamics, especially at the front end.
In terms of shape, the new nose has a more bulbous front section compared to its predecessors, tapering toward the center before flaring out again as it meets the chassis. This design is intended to improve airflow management and adjust the aerodynamics of the car in key areas. The nose modifications also affect the front wing, which has been restructured to complement the new design. The static sections beside the nose have been reduced in size, while the adjustable sections on the upper two flaps retain their original proportions, maintaining the desired aerodynamic balance.
Slot Gap Separator Brackets and Additional Components
One of the key features of this new setup is the return of the slot gap separator brackets. These brackets are used to provide the necessary support for the front wing and to help guide airflow between the two front wing elements. This configuration, once used on previous Red Bull cars, is aimed at optimizing airflow dynamics to improve the car's overall handling.
Red Bull’s Focus on Flexibility and Performance
Red Bull has been known for its attention to detail when it comes to aerodynamics, particularly in maximizing flexibility within the limits of the regulations. With stricter tests on flexibility to be introduced after the first eight races of the 2025 season, Red Bull is likely to have dedicated a significant portion of their development budget to optimize their front wing's flexibility. This would allow them to take advantage of any performance benefits available under the current testing conditions before the new rules are enforced.
New Configuration at the Wing Endplate
Red Bull has also introduced a new configuration at the outboard end of the front wing. The third flap now flips back upon itself, forming a winglet that plays a crucial role in managing the upwash of air and altering the way the outwash forms at the endplate junction. This update is designed to improve airflow at the car’s front end, potentially providing more stability and better handling at higher speeds.
More Updates Expected During the Final Day of Testing
With day three of testing still ongoing, Red Bull is expected to unveil additional updates throughout the day. The new nose and front wing configuration are likely to be further refined and tested during the afternoon session as the team continues to gather data and adjust the car’s performance in preparation for the upcoming season.
Conclusion: Red Bull’s RB21 Aerodynamics Take Shape
The new nose and front wing introduced on the RB21 during the Bahrain pre-season testing represent a significant step in Red Bull’s development program for the 2025 Formula 1 season. While the changes are not radical, they reflect Red Bull’s commitment to fine-tuning their car’s aerodynamics to achieve the best possible performance. With more updates expected on the final day of testing, the team is well on its way to finalizing the car for the season opener. As testing continues, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see how these modifications impact their performance compared to rivals.
Up Next
