Gary Anderson spots ‘controversial’ Red Bull design giving Max Verstappen an advantage vs Mercedes

Former Formula 1 technical director Gary Anderson has highlighted a controversial sidepod design on Red Bull's car that appears to give Max Verstappen an advantage over Mercedes. Writing for The Race, Anderson explained that Red Bull exploited regulatory gray areas by using a sharper trailing edge corner radius on the sidepod, creating a vortex that enhances rear downforce and improves diffuser performance.

The aerodynamic upgrade has aided Red Bull's technical resurgence, helping Verstappen secure back-to-back Grand Prix victories in Sepang and Singapore. While Mercedes remains on track to secure the Constructors' Championship, driver Kimi Antonelli acknowledged that Verstappen's recent surge in form is concerning ahead of the 2027 season.