SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 6: Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing team celebrates pole position at the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Circuit on April 6, 2024. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
After an incredibly dominant season in 2023, where the Red Bull RB19 emerged victorious in every race, the current Formula 1 champions did not rest on their laurels. Instead, they unveiled a significantly transformed RB20 car.
While some believed that the vertical sidepod entries of the RB20 were Red Bull’s interpretation of Mercedes’ unsuccessful zero sidepod philosophy, this was not the case. In fact, it was the team’s way of taking the sidepod undercut to the most extreme level possible, as confirmed by Newey.
During an interview with Sky Sports F1 after the Japanese Grand Prix, Newey explained that the car’s architecture had remained relatively consistent since 2022. The aerodynamic principles seen in this year’s car were a continuation of the direction they had been following since early 2022, but taken to a more extreme level.
Red Bull introduced a significant upgrade package for their car, which included a new floor and floor edge, as well as new sidepod entries and other track-specific items. Newey praised the Milton Keynes team for their hard work in delivering these upgrades, highlighting the engineers’ enthusiasm, determination, and creativity.
The performance of the upgrades met expectations, as confirmed by pressure sensors and load cells. Although Newey believed the team would perform well even without the upgrades, he acknowledged the need to keep pushing forward as the competition intensifies.
After four races, Red Bull currently leads the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship with a 21-point advantage over Ferrari. Max Verstappen has a 13-point lead over his teammate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ standings.
