Red Bull brings some new elements to Japanese Grand Prix for RB20

When Red Bull launched the RB20, their challenger for the 2024 Formula 1 season, back in February there were early rumblings about a series of upgrades planned for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. Those rumors included a shocking idea: That the team would shift to a “zeropod” configuration famously attempted by Mercedes during the 2022 F1 season.

Some analysts, led by the brilliant Terry Widdows who runs the F1 Coffee Corner accounts on social media, dismissed the notion at the outset, arguing that the team would bring other elements to Suzuka. Now, thanks to Albert Fabrega, the incredible technical analyst at F1.com, we have our first looks at the upgraded RB20.

The new elements include a new set of cooling scoops around the halo on the RB20, as well as a deflector on the mirror bracket.

Fabrega highlighted the new cooling scoops on social media:

At this time it is unclear if this is a cooling element for the RB20, or as Fabrega theorized perhaps inlets for “ … clearing the turbulent and slow air” on that section of the car:

Fabrega also shared a look at the new deflector panel added to the RB20’s mirrors:

There have also been rumblings of a potential new floor for the RB20, something Widdows himself has sketched out, however we might not get a full glimpse of that unless something unfortunate happens to either Max Verstappen or Sergio Pérez over the three practice sessions, qualifying, and the Japanese Grand Prix itself.

Still, it is clear that Adrian Newey and company are not resting on their laurels when it comes to the performance of the RB20.

UPDATE: Friday in Japan the teams submitted their list of updated components, and in that documentation Red Bull listed the following as parts that were upgraded: Sidepod Inlet, Floor Body, Floor Edge, and Front Corner.

You can see their submission below: