Red Bull Racing RB20

RB20 During the 2024 Japanese Free Practice

Red Bull Racing RB20 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Red Bull Racing for the 2023 Formula One World Championship. The car is a continuation of the team's successful lineage in the premier class of motorsport, following the introduction of the new technical regulations that came into effect in the 2022 season. The RB20 is driven by Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, two of the sport's most competitive drivers.

Development and Design

The development of the RB20 was heavily influenced by the sweeping technical regulation changes introduced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 2022, aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking. These regulations mandated significant changes in the car's aerodynamics, including a move to ground effect aerodynamics, simplified front wings, and larger rear wings. Red Bull Racing's approach to the RB20 design focused on optimizing these new aerodynamic rules while improving the car's power unit efficiency and reliability.

The RB20's chassis and bodywork were developed in-house at Red Bull Racing's headquarters in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. The team continued its partnership with Honda for the power unit, despite Honda's official withdrawal from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season. This arrangement allowed Red Bull Racing to use Honda's power unit technology, rebranded under the Red Bull Powertrains division.

Performance

The RB20 made its competitive debut at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, where it immediately showcased its potential. Throughout the 2023 season, the car proved to be highly competitive, with Verstappen and Pérez achieving multiple race wins and podium finishes. The car's performance was particularly noted for its strong aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability, making it a formidable competitor on a variety of circuits.

Controversies

As with any competitive Formula One car, the RB20 was not without its controversies. Throughout the season, rival teams and observers raised questions about the car's compliance with the FIA's technical regulations, particularly regarding its aerodynamic design and the use of certain materials. Red Bull Racing consistently maintained that the RB20 was fully compliant with all regulations, and the FIA's inspections and rulings generally supported the team's position.

Legacy

The Red Bull Racing RB20 is considered a significant car in the history of Red Bull Racing, demonstrating the team's engineering prowess and competitive spirit under the new technical regulations. Its success during the 2023 Formula One World Championship further cemented Red Bull Racing's status as one of the leading teams in the sport.