Red Bull will field a fresh Baku upgrade this weekend, bringing a new floor and revised side‑pods and mirror geometry to the Azerbaijan circuit after the FIA technical review.
The package, detailed in the governing body’s latest document, focuses on a floor that “extracts more local load whilst maintaining flow stability” within the allowed geometry. Pierre Waché’s technical team also tweaked the side‑pods and mirror assembly to complement the new under‑body line‑ups.
Both Verstappen and Hadjar will receive the updated setup for the weekend, confirmed by the team‑principal to Motorsport.com. It marks the fourth of five upgrades in the season, although Laurent Mekies said it is the final “significant” package, as the bulk of resources are now earmarked for next year’s car.
“It’s probably the last major step of the year. We’ve shifted the majority of our focus to the 2027 programme,” Mekies told the Thursday press conference, adding that the current season still matters if the team can secure its first win.”
Performance in Recent Races
Verstappen’s results have improved, with podiums in five of the last seven Grands Prix, including double victories in Monza and Madrid. The team’s close margins—within two to three tenths of a second—mean moves from pole to a fourth‑row start are possible, Mekies noted, but the top three remains a challenge.
“We’re closing the gap but still need the final push to secure the fastest car pace,” he added. Even so, the weekend’s upgrade comes with a risk: without a win in the remaining races, Red Bull would not win a single Grand Prix in 2026, the first such season since 2015. Monza saw Verstappen label that outcome as “very likely” under current conditions.
Looking Ahead
Mekies emphasized that gaining further insight from the remaining races is essential to finish the season competitively while preparing for 2027. The Baku upgrade provides a final sweetener before the team moves focus to the next championship.
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