On the 15th of February, the team from Milton Keynes removed the blankets of their raging bull that roared to life, the RB20. And with it comes a more ‘aggressive’ look to the Red Bull factory. So, with pre-season testing around the corner, what has Red Bull brought to the table and do they have what it takes to achieve another driver’s championship and constructor’s championship? Let us find out…
The Birth of the RB20
Embed from Getty ImagesThe covers are off, so we are all introduced to the RB20, the new edition of the Red Bull brand. But this reveal came with some secrets Red Bull wanted to keep hidden. In Formula 1, teams have always tried to gain a competitive advantage by creating a new design philosophy for their car. To prevent such a design from being crafted on a rival car, teams do everything in their power to prevent other teams from copying, whether that be keeping the television cameras away or the most common tactic, placing most of the pit crew in front of the car.
The Race YouTube channel discovered this tactic from Red Bull, as multiple team members crowded behind the car to prevent prying eyes from exposing the rear of the RB20. Already looming that Red Bull has once again taken another risk in their design philosophy. But will this new design that is been kept a secret, be another successful display of keeping the crown or will gremlins begin to emerge with its new ‘aggressive’ look?
The RB20’s New Look
Embed from Getty ImagesThe new RB20 does not come with any new livery but with the traditional purple, yellow and red. However, there are a few noticeable differences such as the bulges above the engine bay and vertical side pod inlets, which is very reminiscent of Mercedes’ 2022 Formula 1 car. This sleeker design known as the “zeropod” allows for much tighter bodywork into achieving a stronger aerodynamic advantage. Whereas most sensitive areas of the RB20 such as the rear diffuser and the underbody have remained hidden from the cameras.
Expectation Vs. Reality for the RB20
Embed from Getty ImagesIt is no surprise that the RB20 has sent shockwaves amongst the Formula 1 community. And the aim for Red Bull is to be let out of the gates and begin charging for the top spot once again.
However, Christian Horner has clarified in an interview with RaceFans that 2023 will not be the same as 2024, indicating that the competition will be a lot closer with the likes of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari. But Horner further expanded on the fact that you cannot lose sight of what the target is. And what is their target? The top spot.
Conclusion
Embed from Getty ImagesA new car and improved design equals a more ‘aggressive’ outlook for the team from Milton Keynes. And with the 2024 season right around the corner, the engine begins to rev, the adrenaline surges and the heart beats faster. But what will Red Bull learn and adapt from the RB20, when the time begins for preseason testing? Find out more tomorrow live as we travel amongst the desert dunes to the Sakhir Circuit for the Formula 1 2024 Pre-Season Testing.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1, then why not check out “2025 Formula 1 Driver Market: Red Bull and Mercedes’ Future” or “Aston Martin: The Ambition to Reach the Top in 2024”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool