FIA could outlaw Red Bull’s clever sidepod loophole ahead of 2027 season

Formula 1 engineers relish uncovering minute loopholes in the rules to gain a competitive edge. However, their success is short-lived, as the FIA swiftly addresses these exploits. According to Rosario Giuliana of AutoRacer.it, the FIA has recently taken action against a clever tactic employed by Red Bull Racing during the current season.

The team will now need to redesign their sidepod for the upcoming 2027 season. To comprehend the issue, one must examine the lower sidepod geometry. Aerodynamicists typically strive for sharp edges in the sidepod bodywork to effectively manage airflow. Nevertheless, the FIA mandates a minimum radius for these surfaces, thus enforcing smooth curves over sharp edges.

Red Bull's design team ingeniously circumvented this rule by incorporating a structural cable along the lower sidepod ridge. By doing so, the cable permitted a significantly sharper undercut compared to other teams' standard bodywork. The innovation surfaced on the RB22 at the Austrian Grand Prix and was subsequently replicated by Audi in the following race.

Unfortunately, the FIA has now incorporated a modification into the 2027 technical regulations, reducing the floor support dimension to only 5mm. This adjustment effectively nullifies the loophole Red Bull exploited, compelling both Red Bull and Audi to revamp the lower sidepod design for the following year. The FIA's move demonstrates their commitment to maintaining fairness and integrity within the sport.