FIA Older change of Max Verstappen’s car at Miami GP due to…read more
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula 1’s governing body, has officially confirmed that Max Verstappen’s Red Bull RB21 will receive specific technical updates ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. These changes, announced ahead of the race weekend, will focus on improving the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, particularly through adjustments to the floor area.
As per the FIA’s technical update document, Red Bull Racing will modify two key components on Verstappen’s car: the floor fences and the floor edge. These parts play an essential role in managing airflow beneath the car and generating aerodynamic downforce—vital for maximizing grip and overall performance.
According to the team, the floor fences are being repositioned slightly to generate a modest increase in aerodynamic load. This repositioning will allow the car to manage airflow underneath more efficiently, enhancing overall downforce. Additionally, Red Bull is introducing a new surface design on the floor edge. This revised geometry will give the floor edge wing more camber—essentially increasing the curvature of the component—which will contribute to generating a local increase in aerodynamic load.
Collectively, these refinements are aimed at giving Verstappen a small but potentially meaningful boost in performance during the high-speed, high-intensity Miami Grand Prix weekend. Though the improvements are relatively minor in scale, even slight increases in downforce can make a significant difference in lap times and tire management, especially on a street circuit like Miami, which demands both precision and grip.
Notably, these upgrades are exclusive to Max Verstappen’s car. His Red Bull Racing teammate, Sergio Pérez, will not be running the modified floor in Miami. Additionally, despite Red Bull’s close technical collaboration with sister team RB (formerly AlphaTauri), the revisions will not be applied to Yuki Tsunoda’s car or any other entry from the sister squad.
Introducing upgrades during race weekends is a standard part of Formula 1 strategy, particularly as teams seek to stay ahead in the relentless development race that defines the season. While the FIA mandates that teams declare such updates, they are permitted to install and test them up until the cars are placed under parc fermé conditions. Once in parc fermé, which typically begins before qualifying, teams are not allowed to make performance-related changes unless under specific exceptions.
However, the Miami Grand Prix features a slightly different format this year due to the inclusion of a sprint race. This means parc fermé conditions begin earlier than usual—starting before Friday’s sprint qualifying session. Once cars are locked in setup, the teams will be restricted in what they can change until the sprint race concludes on Saturday. Only then will they be allowed to make further modifications ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix qualifying and the race itself.
Verstappen’s Return Confirmed After Becoming a Father
In addition to the technical developments surrounding his car, Max Verstappen made headlines this week for personal reasons. The reigning world champion was granted special permission to skip Thursday’s media obligations in Miami. This decision came as Verstappen and his partner, Kelly Piquet, celebrated the birth of their first child.
The couple welcomed a baby girl earlier in the week and announced her name—Lily—via social media on Friday. In a heartfelt post, they shared two photos featuring the proud new parents holding their newborn daughter. The news was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and fellow drivers alike.
Despite missing Thursday’s off-track commitments, Verstappen is confirmed to participate fully in the Miami Grand Prix weekend. He reportedly flew into Miami on Thursday evening, arriving around 8 PM local time. Red Bull has assured fans that the Dutch driver is fully prepared and ready to compete in both the sprint and the main race.
Verstappen’s return to the paddock comes as he continues to lead the drivers’ championship, and the Miami Grand Prix offers a critical opportunity for him to extend his advantage. With both a sprint and full Grand Prix scheduled, there are valuable points on offer, and Red Bull’s latest upgrades could give him a further edge over the competition.
As always, all eyes will be on the reigning champion to see how he handles the updated RB21 and the challenge of a demanding weekend in Miami—on the track and off it, as a new chapter begins in his personal life.
