Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey explained that the team’s 2024 is the product of a “more excessive version” of the same design philosophy they have been pursuing since 2022.
The Milton Keynes-based team, which is aiming for a third consecutive constructors’ title, made significant changes over the winter to a car that had completed the most dominant season in Formula 1 history.
The RB20, with vertical sidepod inlets and a taller engine bonnet, reminded viewers of the “sidepod-less” design that Mercedes had failed to paint in the first two seasons of the current F1 design regulations.
Early signs are that the adjustments have worked, with Red Bull achieving three one-two finishes in the first four races of the new season.
“Really, the architecture of the car has remained very similar, third generation since 2022,” Newey told Sky Sports F1 after reigning world champion Max Verstappen’s victory in Japan.
“The kind of aerodynamic principles you see now in this year’s car compared to last year, it’s a path we’ve been following since the beginning of 2022 and it’s just a more extreme edition or a road that follows the same path.
“The total principle, adding the upper body, extends a principle that we started pushing quite a bit last year. “
Newey, who is credited with Red Bull’s dominance, paid tribute to his colleagues.
“It’s a recognition for all the employees at the plant,” he added. “We have a wonderful team of engineers, which then extends to the entire organization. Their enthusiasm, drive and creativity is what you see here in front of you. “
In addition to its decision to make significant changes to the conquering RB19, Red Bull’s relentless preference to remain at the front of the grid was further highlighted with the arrival of a first package of upgrades just for the fourth race of the season.
After some demanding initial situations with the car’s modified set-up in Friday’s practice, Verstappen found his rhythm to take pole and a win, with teammate Sergio Perez following him twice.
Worrying for the chasing group, Newey warned that Red Bull would most likely have won at Suzuka even without the upgrades, which included a new sidepod intake design for more advanced airflow and efficiency, smaller revised front brake intakes, as well as adjustments to the package’s large floor and rectified edge.
“We know what functionality (the updates) theoretically provided,” Newey said. “From what we can see in the voltage sensors and load cells, it delivered what was written on the wind tunnel box.
“So it’s a small step forward. I think this weekend probably went well anyway. But we all know things are going to get tighter, so we’ll keep pushing. “
Next up is the return of the Chinese Grand Prix from April 19-21, which is also the first weekend of the season. You can watch any and all live queries on Sky Sports F1 and stream any and all F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription: no contract, cancel anytime
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