According to the team principal of McLaren, Red Bull will have an initial advantage at the start of the season.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
The previous three seasons of Formula One have been characterized by the complete dominance of Red Bull and their superstar driver. They have emerged victorious in three championships and have won more than 40 races during this period, with 2023 being their most successful and record-breaking year. They achieved an impressive feat of winning 21 out of the 22 races held in that season, and Verstappen accomplished several career milestones.
McLaren, the closest rival to Red Bull on a typical race week, anticipates that this dominance will continue at the beginning of the upcoming season. The team principal of McLaren has highlighted that Red Bull will finally be able to utilize the development they have accumulated over the past few months, which was restricted until 2024. This advantage will give them the upper hand over their competitors.
However, the team principal at McLaren believes that his team will be in a favorable position for the upcoming season if they maintain the same rate of progress as the previous one. He mentions that they will assess their readiness to challenge Red Bull, but they have made significant strides in their development.
Red Bull has made numerous additions to their new RB20 this year. These upgrades have made their new car more aggressive. Red Bull has employed a unique aerodynamic approach, and advancements in radiator technology have allowed for more compact coolers with the same heat-rejecting capacity.
The distinct design feature of the upright radiator inlet in the Red Bull RB20 minimizes surface area. It bears resemblance to the original Zero sidepod Mercedes from 2022, but it is utilized in a different manner. Red Bull retains the side pods and utilizes the vertical inlet to create a significant undercut at the front.
To enhance the performance of the underfloor component, there has been a significant overhaul of the upper bodywork. This has resulted in a stronger airflow around the side pods and floor edges, which is sure to instill fear in their opponents before the season commences.
According to the Source firstsportz.com