Red Bull’s new sidepod design has become the talk of the paddock after the team rolled out a series of upgrades during the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. With F1’s five-week break giving teams ample time to refine their upgrade plans, Red Bull made the most of that window—and their rivals are taking notice.
The season started rough for Red Bull, but these changes were aimed at turning things around. In Miami, one of their main goals was trimming weight from the RB22, which reports suggested was about 10kg overweight at the start of the year. They also introduced their version of the Macarena rear wing, featuring a wider opening compared to Ferrari’s take on it.
But it’s the sidepod that’s really turning heads. Red Bull unveiled a new design in Miami, even after debuting a different version at the previous round in Japan. The changes seemed to work well for Max Verstappen, who qualified second, but Isack Hadjar struggled to find his rhythm.
The sharp fence at the rear corner of the sidepod, where it meets the floor, caught particular attention. Some teams were surprised by its shape. According to The Race, rivals didn’t think such a design would be “possible” under current regulations. Unlike Mercedes and Ferrari, which have gentler slopes on their sidepods, or McLaren, whose design is closer but less steep, Red Bull’s approach features a more pronounced edge. Where others have rounded transitions between the sidepod and floor, Red Bull’s stands out with a sharper profile.
The FIA views Red Bull’s approach as a legal interpretation of the rules. By splitting the rear section so it isn’t classified as part of the sidepod, the team avoids some of the usual checks and criteria applied to that area of the car. Other teams have had time to study images since Miami and may try similar solutions before F1 heads to Montreal on May 22-24.
Verstappen looked strong in Miami until an early spin cost him a shot at a podium finish, while Hadjar crashed out early after struggling throughout qualifying and practice. The Canadian Grand Prix could be an opportunity for Hadjar to adjust better than he managed in Miami. Last year was tough for the rookie, but with Red Bull’s innovative sidepod and a fresh track, he’ll be hoping for a smoother weekend.