F1 NEWS:FIA Confirms Red Bull change as extreme conditions hit Saudi Grand Prix…read more
F1 NEWS:FIA Confirms Red Bull change as extreme conditions hit Saudi Grand Prix…read more
The FIA has officially confirmed that Red Bull Racing has implemented technical modifications to their Formula 1 car in preparation for the sweltering conditions expected at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. With ambient temperatures forecasted to soar into the upper 30s Celsius during the early evening sessions at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and only marginal drops to the low 30s at night, all teams are bracing for a challenging weekend under extreme heat.
In response to these demanding conditions, Red Bull has made aerodynamic and cooling updates to their car. Most notably, they’ve introduced a larger central engine cover exit, allowing for more efficient heat expulsion from the car’s power unit. This change forms part of a broader redesign of the car’s topbody, enabling it to manage the elevated thermal loads more effectively.
Additionally, Red Bull has revised its beam wing setup to meet the aerodynamic requirements of the Jeddah layout. The circuit is known for its blend of rapid corners and extended straights, demanding a careful balance between downforce and drag. The team has opted to reduce the chord and surface area of the beam wing, aiming to optimize straight-line speed without severely compromising grip through the corners.
These changes come at a crucial time for Red Bull, who currently sit 80 points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, a deficit that has intensified pressure on the reigning champions.
**Red Bull Seeking Redemption After Bahrain Struggles**
Red Bull heads into the Saudi GP weekend looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing in Bahrain. Max Verstappen managed only a sixth-place finish, while Yuki Tsunoda salvaged some points in ninth, marking his first score for the team. The underwhelming performance reportedly led to internal crisis discussions within the Red Bull camp, with senior advisor Helmut Marko publicly voicing concerns about Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team if results don’t improve.
Despite the mounting speculation, Verstappen appeared unfazed in Thursday’s press conference, brushing off questions about his future and telling Sky Sports’ David Croft to focus on commentating rather than his career trajectory. Meanwhile, team principal Christian Horner remains optimistic. While he acknowledged the team has identified the source of their performance issues, he emphasized that implementing an effective solution remains a complex task.
With the spotlight firmly on them and the heat both literal and metaphorical, Red Bull will be hoping their updates can spark a turnaround in Jeddah.
