Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez took to the track in Sakhir after the long winter break, showcasing a significantly revamped vehicle that sparked a lot of interest among spectators.
Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton gave his opinion on the Red Bull Formula 1 car for 2024, following its performance during three days of pre-season testing.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez took to the track in Sakhir after the long winter break, revealing a significantly redesigned vehicle that aroused a lot of curiosity among observers.
Hamilton, speaking after the test via The Athletic, succinctly shared his impressions of the RB20.
The 2023 season for Red Bull was marked by unprecedented dominance in Formula 1, securing victory in 21 out of 22 Grand Prix races, with Verstappen leading the way with 19 wins.
Given this success, many expected only minimal adjustments to the RB19.
However, Red Bull unveiled a significantly altered vehicle, initially appearing to be a risky move.
Nevertheless, Verstappen’s impressive speed on the first day of testing suggests that the decision to opt for a distinct design, rather than an incremental evolution, may prove inspired, challenging the established order of rivals.
Hamilton, seeking his first win since 2021, has now shared his thoughts on Red Bull’s competitor for 2024.
Although the 39-year-old driver finished as the best of the rest in the 2023 drivers’ standings, he was left winless due to Red Bull’s dominance.
This likely influenced his move to Ferrari in 2025, seeking a better chance to secure his eighth world title.
Asked about his opinion on Red Bull’s latest offering, Hamilton simply commented that they seemed “distant” compared to his Mercedes.
Reports suggest that Red Bull’s design genius, Adrian Newey, is particularly impressed with a specific aspect of Hamilton’s Mercedes for 2024.
While this may provide a slight advantage, the overall package of the RB20 appears formidable.
Perez faced reliability issues during testing in Bahrain, giving rivals a small glimmer of hope for the 2024 season.
However, the true potential of the car has likely not yet been fully explored.
Verstappen or Perez’s performance in qualifying will give a clearer indication of Red Bull’s dominance at the start of the season.
