FIA Will Ban Red Bull Sidepod Loophole in 2027
The governing body is updating technical regulations to mandate stricter floor support dimensions for all teams.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Motorsports
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The FIA will amend its technical regulations for the 2027 season to close an aerodynamic loophole involving sidepod geometry. The change will force teams, including Red Bull Racing and Audi, to redesign their lower sidepod sections.
Why it matters
The FIA aims to standardize sidepod geometry across the grid by limiting floor support dimensions. This regulatory adjustment removes aggressive aerodynamic advantages previously exploited through structural cable configurations.
New technical regulations will restrict floor support dimensions to a 5mm limit starting in the 2027 season. This replaces the current 20mm radius allowance that teams previously used to shape aggressive sidepod bodywork.
The players
FIA
The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile serves as the governing body for international motorsports and enforces technical rules.
Red Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing is a prominent Formula One constructor team based in Milton Keynes that develops advanced aerodynamic chassis designs.
Audi
Audi is an automotive manufacturer that competes in high-level motorsport racing series.
The details
Red Bull Racing introduced a unique aerodynamic sidepod design earlier this season at the Austrian Grand Prix, using a structural cable to create a sharper undercut. Audi subsequently adopted the same configuration at the Baku Grand Prix by exploiting the current rule allowing a 20mm radius for floor body stays.
Timeline
Red Bull introduced the sidepod design earlier this season.
New technical regulations take effect for the 2027 season.
Season Trajectory
This regulatory update shifts the competitive landscape by mandating a universal design constraint that impacts future car development. It forces teams to pivot away from specific aerodynamic gains as they prepare for the broader technical changes planned for the 2027 season.
Red Bull Racing and Audi must now commit engineering resources to redesign their lower sidepod sections ahead of 2027. This constraint removes a key aerodynamic advantage, likely forcing these teams to find alternate methods to maintain current levels of downforce.
The takeaway
Teams must balance the pursuit of innovative aerodynamic designs with the reality of increasing regulatory oversight. Maintaining compliance requires constant monitoring of FIA rule updates to avoid expensive late-cycle redesigns.
Further reading
For more on evolving design standards, visit the Motorsports section.
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Should racing series strictly limit technical loopholes to ensure competitive fairness among teams?
