Red Bull Racing has been nothing short of dominant in this year's Formula 1 championship. With commanding performances from Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the Milton Keynes-based squad sits on top of both driver and constructor standings with a substantial lead. However, complacency is not part of Red Bull's DNA.
Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix race weekend, where they aim to break McLaren's long-standing record for consecutive wins in Formula 1, Verstappen revealed that the team had some significant upgrades up their sleeve. The Dutch driver expressed his hopes that these updates would provide them with additional performance for future races.
One particular upgrade that has caught everyone's attention is Red Bull's new sidepods – a modification touted as being worth two-tenths of a second per lap according to reports by Auto Motor und Sport. These redesigned sidepods not only showcase innovation but also come equipped with an upgraded cooling system.
BREAKING: RedBull has introduced a 'Letterbox' sidepod inlet! (Upper picture)
— Formula Data Analysis (@FDataAnalysis) July 20, 2023
They had already gone towards a wider and less tall sidepod inlet in Baku (Center picture), but this further update brings the concept to the extreme!📈
(Upper photo by @formu1a__uno)#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/AMOxxPVmFa
Initially believed to be similar in style to McLaren or Alpine’s version of Red Bull’s downwash concept, it now appears that Red Bull has put its own unique spin on things while incorporating key elements from other teams' designs. This hybrid approach represents another example of how teams learn from each other and seek inspiration from different sources in order to gain an advantage on track.
The most noticeable change can be seen in the revised inlet shape which sports a "letterbox" appearance – wider and shorter than the previous design seen in Baku. The Baku upgrade was already a significant step forward for Red Bull, and these new sidepods aim to build on that progress.
As Verstappen aims for his seventh consecutive victory at the Hungaroring this weekend, a win that would also mark Red Bull's 12th straight triumph since last season's finale in Abu Dhabi, he will be seeking to break the current joint record held by McLaren and Red Bull of 11 wins in a row set by McLaren back in 1988.
Red Bull's relentless pursuit of performance has been evident throughout this season. While their RB19 car has proven to be highly competitive from the start, they have continuously sought ways to improve it further.
The introduction of these new sidepods is another testament to Red Bull's commitment towards innovation. By finding an additional two-tenths per lap through this modification alone, they are taking firm strides towards maintaining their dominance over their rivals.
In Formula 1, where tenths of a second can make all the difference between winning and losing or securing valuable championship points or not, any upgrade that offers such a substantial advantage is worth its weight in gold – both figuratively and metaphorically speaking.
While exact details about how these redesigned sidepods provide such an improvement remain undisclosed as teams closely guard their technical secrets; insiders suggest that enhanced cooling capabilities could play a crucial role. Managing temperatures efficiently allows engines and other components within the car to perform optimally without compromising reliability or power delivery.
Given Hungary’s high downforce demands with relatively low-speed corners around the Hungaroring circuit layout – which simulates some characteristics expected at future tracks like Zandvoort - Verstappen emphasized how important it is for them to assess their performance after implementing these upgrades during practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday.
The track's layout offers a valuable opportunity to test the car's cornering capabilities while having sufficient downforce. These conditions are vital for extracting maximum performance from the new sidepods and assessing their impact on lap times.
McLaren, who holds the current record that Red Bull aims to break, achieved their eleven consecutive wins in 1988 with drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. It was an era of dominance for McLaren, as they showcased their technical prowess and driver talents.
Now, over three decades later, it is Red Bull Racing that has taken up this illustrious challenge. With Verstappen currently leading the championship standings by a significant margin and displaying exceptional driving skills week after week, breaking McLaren's record seems well within reach for both him and his team.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has been impressed by how Verstappen continues to evolve as a driver with each passing season. The determined young Dutchman has proven himself capable of handling pressure while delivering consistently strong performances on track.
Horner also acknowledges the importance of continuous development in Formula 1. He believes that staying ahead requires relentless innovation combined with efficient execution – characteristics inherent in successful teams throughout history.
In conclusion; while much still remains unknown about precisely how these new-look sidepods provide such a significant boost in performance for Red Bull Racing; what is certain is that they have once again raised the bar higher than ever before.
With Max Verstappen showcasing his undeniable talents and the team's relentless pursuit of excellence, it is no wonder that Red Bull currently stands as the dominant force in Formula 1. As they aim to break McLaren's record for consecutive wins, all eyes will be on these innovative sidepods and their potential impact on future races.
