Red Bull’s second Formula 1 team has once again rebranded and now has its third name since the company acquired Minardi. However, beyond the latest change in appearance and name, there is a clear intention for the team to take even greater control of its own destiny.
For the 2024 season, the team will have a closer relationship with Red Bull and will be encouraged to utilize more of the interchangeable parts allowed within the regulations. With experienced drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, the team aims to achieve podium finishes and, if luck is on their side, even secure a victory.
To achieve these goals, the drivers will need top-notch equipment to showcase their true talent. Let’s take a look at what has been unveiled so far. It’s important to note that my analysis is based solely on the information provided by the teams at this stage, so we should reserve judgement until we see the car in action in Bahrain.
The initial renders of the car are limited, but if the actual car resembles what we can see, it appears to be a promising package. There are noticeable improvements compared to its predecessor.
Starting at the front, the airflow around the nose is completely different from what we saw on the bulky Alpine. The design concept directs the airflow off the top of the nose and channels it between the inside of the front tires and the sides of the chassis.
Red Bull has opted for pullrod front suspension, which is not surprising given their closer collaboration with Red Bull and increased use of their mechanical parts. The lower wishbone has a narrower base where it connects to the chassis, allowing for better aerodynamics but potentially increasing loads, especially under braking. This is a trade-off between aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical performance.
The radiator intake is similar to the designs seen on other cars launched this year, including last year’s Red Bull. However, there are some differences in the sidepod design, with an outer bulge and a wide valley on the top surface to manage radiator spillage at high speeds without compromising downforce.
The outer edge of the floor detail is distinct from other 2024 cars and last year’s models. The sidepod features an aggressive turning surface, reminiscent of Ferrari’s design in 2022. This airflow connects to a longitudinal slot gap, which extends further forward than in previous designs, possibly aiming to enhance airflow extraction from the front corner of the underfloor.
In comparison to Red Bull’s 2023 car, the 2024 RB does not have a slot gap between the front wing forward plane and the nose. However, it compensates with a narrower nose to allow for increased airflow around the sides. Ideally, both features would be desirable.
The bulge in the forward lower side impact structure is necessary and limits flexibility in the upper and lower forward floor profile. The radiator inlet is positioned as high as possible to create an undercut in the sidepod. The outer edge of the floor detail may undergo changes before the Bahrain test, as it appears relatively conservative. The sidepod’s vertical profile generates a turning effect, which could work in conjunction with the previously mentioned slot gap or serve as housing for the cooling system.
The rear suspension operates using a pushrod system, with the upper wishbone forward leg mounted lower than the rear leg to reduce vertical movement during braking. This configuration is not surprising, considering Red Bull’s use of their gearbox and rear suspension package.
In comparison to last year’s AlphaTauri, RB has transitioned from a Ferrari-style radiator intake to a more Red Bull-style design. This change aims to minimize aerodynamic disturbances when the radiators are unable to handle the high-speed airflow. The excess airflow is controlled to maintain aerodynamic consistency across different speeds. Additionally, there is a more aggressive turning surface below and behind the radiator intake.
Overall, the current package is well-designed and provides a solid foundation. It is expected that more details will be revealed with the Bahrain test version, offering further insights into hidden features and the team’s attention to detail.
According to the Source the-race.com