Red Bull Racing has been compelled to abandon its plans to showcase special liveries at the upcoming Singapore and United States Grands Prix, citing weight-saving concerns in its ongoing battle for competitiveness in Formula 1.
The team had initially launched a fan-driven contest to design unique liveries for three select races in 2024, with one already featured at the British Grand Prix. However, due to unforeseen performance setbacks and a shocking decline in form, Red Bull has shelved its livery plans for both Singapore and Austin.
Red Bull’s sudden regression on track has seen it surrender its long-held dominance. The team has gone winless in the past six races, culminating in the loss of its Constructors’ Championship lead to McLaren following a poor showing in Baku. Currently trailing by 20 points, Red Bull is also under threat from Ferrari, which lingers just 31 points behind with seven races left in the season.
The primary reason behind scrapping the special liveries? Paint weight. According to Red Bull, the intricate designs from the REBL CUSTMS competition added unwanted weight to the RB20, thus compromising the car’s performance.
“When we tested the designs in real life on the RB20, the paint used for these full car takeover liveries added unforeseen and undue weight to the bodywork,” Red Bull announced. “Any additional weight compromises performance, and the team is prioritizing competitiveness for the remainder of the 2024 season.”
The move signals Red Bull’s shift in focus towards ensuring every detail of the car enhances its chances of reclaiming its position at the top, especially given the tightly contested championship fight.
Paint Weight: A Growing Concern in Modern F1
The issue of weight has become increasingly critical with the current generation of F1 cars, which are heavier than in previous eras. Teams have resorted to exposing more carbon fiber in their liveries, reducing paint to shave off vital grams in pursuit of marginal gains.
In response to this growing trend, FIA is planning discussions with F1 teams for the 2025 season to introduce more separable liveries, as fans and teams alike have voiced concerns over the bland, carbon-heavy designs dominating the grid.
FIA’s Head of Single-Seater Matters, Nikolas Tombazis, remarked: “The cars have a bit too much naked carbon, obviously because of the weight of paint. There’s been a lot of work by teams to change the type of paint or use ultra-thin films to keep the weight low.”
As Red Bull continues its fight to reclaim the championship lead, it’s clear that the quest for performance has left little room for aesthetic flair. In the meantime, fans will have to wait to see whether the team can regain its dominant form on the track—liveries aside.
