Red Bull’s Austrian Grand Prix resurgence has been linked to a major “B-spec” style upgrade package and a possible hidden weight reduction programme by former mechanic Calum Nicholas

Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

Photo by: Manuel Eletto / Getty Images

Red Bull’s extensive Austrian Grand Prix upgrade package felt like a “B-spec” car, according to the team’s former mechanic Calum Nicholas, who suspects a hidden weight reduction programme played a big part in the team’s return to form.

The Milton Keynes outfit arrived at the Red Bull Ring with a substantial list of updates. The official FIA documentation listed seven modifications, heavily targeting flow conditioning. The revisions featured changes to the sidepod inlets, engine cover, floor top and underside, rear corners and rear suspension fairings.

Speaking on the team’s official Talking Bull podcast, Nicholas discussed the scale of the changes.

“You look at the FIA document, it’s mostly flow conditioning. It’s all been about extracting the most downforce and making the car more efficient,” the mechanic-turned-Red Bull ambassador explained.

“Everything from the sidepod inlet to the engine cover, the floor, the top section of the floor, the underside, rear corners, rear suspension fairings – it’s a lot. And it does almost feel like a B-spec car.