Red Bull Racing RB16

Suzuka Fan Thanksgiving Day 2022 (36) - RedBull Honda RB16-01 in 2022 Formula 1

Alexander Albon 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix - race day

FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 33 Verstappen (side)

Red Bull Racing RB16 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Red Bull Racing to compete during the 2020 Formula One World Championship. The car was driven by Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon, with Verstappen achieving two race wins and Albon securing several podium finishes throughout the season. The RB16 is a direct successor to the Red Bull Racing RB15 and was succeeded by the Red Bull Racing RB16B for the 2021 Formula One World Championship.

Development and Design

The RB16 was developed under the technical leadership of Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing's chief technical officer, and is powered by a Honda RA620H 1.6L V6 turbocharged engine, marking the second year of Red Bull's partnership with Honda. The car's design focused on improving aerodynamic efficiency, with notable changes to the front nose and wing, as well as adjustments to the rear wing and diffuser to comply with the 2020 regulations aimed at reducing downforce and improving overtaking.

Performance

The RB16 proved to be a competitive car, particularly in the hands of Max Verstappen, who managed to secure the team's highest finishes with first place at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, the car also exhibited some handling issues, particularly in low-speed corners and in windy conditions, which the team worked to resolve throughout the season. Despite these challenges, Red Bull Racing finished second in the Constructors' Championship, with Verstappen finishing third in the Drivers' Championship.

Racing History

Throughout the 2020 season, the RB16 was competitive, securing multiple podium finishes. Max Verstappen's victories at Silverstone and Abu Dhabi were highlights of the car's performance capabilities. Alexander Albon, in his first full season with Red Bull Racing, showed promise but faced challenges in consistently matching his teammate's pace. Albon's best finishes were two third places, contributing valuable points towards the team's championship standings.

Legacy

The RB16's development and performance during the 2020 season played a crucial role in the evolution of Red Bull Racing's Formula One cars. The lessons learned and data gathered from the RB16 were instrumental in the development of its successor, the RB16B, which aimed to address the previous car's weaknesses and build on its strengths for the 2021 season. The RB16 is remembered for its contribution to Red Bull Racing's ongoing competitiveness in Formula One, demonstrating the team's engineering capabilities and resilience in the face of regulatory changes and on-track challenges.