Despite being well into their preparations for the 2024 season, Red Bull is already working to stay one step ahead of its rivals.
Wind tunnel allocations and budget cap limits have impacted Red Bull’s approach to development. The Austrian team enjoyed a strong advantage in early 2023, giving them the platform to start working on the RB19 relatively quickly.
Whilst rivals Ferrari and Mercedes were forced to correct their mistakes, Christian Horner’s team could build upon their existing foundations.
This means that April and May were the months that Red Bull concentrated their resources on the 2024 season. Even with this approach, they were comfortably ahead of the F1 field throughout the year.
VERSTAPPEN Max (ned), Red Bull Racing RB19, portrait pole position during the 2023 Formula 1 MSC Cruises Belgian Grand Prix, 12th round of the 2023 Formula One World Championship from July 28 to 30, 2023 on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, in Stavelot, Belgium – Photo Florent Gooden / DPPI
Red Bull happy with RB20 progress
With pre-season buzz continuing to rise, there are numerous reports about how the various teams are faring. Aston Martin, for example, is forecast to make significant changes to this year’s package.
Meanwhile, the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes are plotting their return to title contention. In all these headlines, toppling Red Bull’s dominance is the common goal.
However, the reigning Champions haven’t achieved such success by being complacent.
As quoted by FormulaPassion, Red Bull’s Head of Performance engineering has revealed that attention is already being diverted to 2025:
“We are aware the RB19 had significant limitations. If we think back to Singapore, weaknesses certainly emerged.
“There are areas we want to improve…
“The RB20 is a car that is at least six months old, and we are already starting to move our attention to the RB21,” Ben Waterhouse told Racecar Engineering.
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB19 leaves the pits.
03.09.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 15, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, Italy, Race Day.
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To some degree, there will be other teams who follow a similar timetable.
Standing still is equivalent to going backwards in Formula 1, so constantly innovating and working on the next project is a normal process.
However, these comments can certainly be interpreted as a statement of intent from the Austrian team.
Having dominated last year so comprehensively, Red Bull has been able to adjust and focus on more long-term ambitions.
This is a luxury their rivals have not enjoyed.
Whilst it will be impossible to predict the pecking order in 2024, the reigning Champions have all the momentum.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
