The Red Bull RB20, unveiled for the 2024 Formula 1 season, represents a bold departure from its predecessor, the record-breaking RB19. Despite dominating the 2023 season, Red Bull has pushed the boundaries with an innovative design that has surprised and potentially alarmed their rivals[1][2].
Design Innovations
The RB20 features several notable changes:
- Vertical sidepod inlets, reminiscent of Mercedes’ 2022 design, but implemented differently[1][2].
- A bulge running along the engine cover, similar to Mercedes’ cooling arrangement[1].
- Significantly reduced surface area and bodywork volume[2].
- An enormous undercut at the front of the sidepods[2].
- Lower-sited radiators, reducing the center of gravity[2].
- Short, sharply angled rear upper bodywork creating more volume ahead of the rear wing[2].
These changes suggest a fundamentally different aerodynamic philosophy compared to previous Red Bull designs[2].
Performance and Challenges
Despite the innovative design, the RB20 has faced some challenges:
- Balance issues have trapped drivers in a “vicious circle”[5].
- Max Verstappen expressed concerns about the car’s performance, describing it as “more difficult to drive”[3].
- The team has been experimenting with older specification parts to understand recent struggles[3].
Technical Controversy
At the United States Grand Prix, a controversy emerged regarding Red Bull’s ability to adjust the RB20’s ride height using a device that altered the under tray. The FIA oversaw modifications to ensure compliance with regulations.
Further Reading
[1] https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/39532354/red-bull-launch-brave-innovative-rb20-2024-formula-1-season
[2] https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tech-analysis-why-red-bulls-aggressive-rb20-is-likely-to-have-alarmed-their.1xvmM3cRvmDr0IW1JkheZS
[3] https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-red-bull-is-still-improving-its-rb20-despite-upgrade-doubts/10648557/
[4] https://www.racecar-engineering.com/cars/red-bull-rb20/
[5] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-trapped-in-vicious-circle-with-rb20-problems/10650526/
[6] https://www.planetf1.com/features/what-went-wrong-red-bull-rb20-development-path-uncovered
[7] https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/has-red-bull-found-the-smoking-gun-for-its-rb20-problems/10651680/
[8] https://racingnews365.com/how-red-bull-began-the-slow-rb20-recovery-after-f1-implosion
