In their ongoing pursuit of enhancing the dominant RB19, Red Bull has implemented adjustments to the edge floor and upper corner of its diffuser before the Barcelona race weekend.
The alterations made to the rear of the car, specifically the increased curvature of the top corners of the diffuser, sparked particular interest as Red Bull openly acknowledged drawing inspiration from other cars.
Red Bull provided an explanation to the FIA regarding these modifications, stating, “We have incorporated a more curved profile in the upper corners of the diffuser, aiming to generate a slight increase in local load towards the trailing edge. This design concept was inspired by the innovations found in competitor models.”
Although the team refrained from providing further details initially, they later disclosed that the design changes had been under consideration for some time after first observing them on a Williams car in 2022.
When questioned about the borrowed ideas from rival teams, Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, responded to F1 Flow.com, saying, “We cannot assume that our car possesses the optimal solution in all areas right from the start.”
He further explained, “Ultimately, our goal is lap time, isn’t it? This particular floor design was introduced early in 2022. I recall the Williams team adopting it quite early on, along with a few others. Initially, it did not prove effective for us. However, we have revisited it on a couple of occasions and found it to offer some slight advantages. The change appears more significant as it extends towards the rear of the floor.”
Monaghan clarified, “While it may not be the most influential factor, it does provide some assistance. We are somewhat constrained in terms of height when implementing such modifications.”
“Our team has been exploring this idea for a while. We found ourselves in a position where we could incorporate it into that specific section of the floor, and we did just that,” he concluded.
Red Bull’s decision to adopt concepts from another team arrives at a time when their primary Formula 1 competitors, Mercedes and Ferrari, have also emulated Red Bull’s downwash sidepod concept in their endeavors to catch up with the team’s performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Red Bull F1 design modification
What modifications did Red Bull make to their F1 car?
Red Bull made modifications to the edge floor and upper corner of its diffuser to improve the performance of their RB19 Formula 1 car.
Where did Red Bull get the inspiration for these design changes?
Red Bull admitted that the idea for the design changes was taken from other cars, specifically from observing a similar design on a Williams car in 2022.
Did Red Bull provide any details about the design modifications?
While the team did not offer specific details initially, they later revealed that the changes involved increasing the curvature of the top corners of the diffuser to generate a small increase in local load towards the trailing edge.
How did Red Bull justify adopting ideas from other teams?
Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, explained that no team can assume they have the best solution in all areas of the car from the start. The focus is on lap time, and after observing the design on a Williams car and revisiting it, they found it to offer some benefits.
Are other teams also borrowing ideas in Formula 1?
Yes, it’s common for teams in Formula 1 to borrow concepts from one another. In this case, Red Bull’s rivals, Mercedes and Ferrari, have also incorporated Red Bull’s downwash sidepod concept into their own cars as they strive to catch up with Red Bull’s performance.
More about Red Bull F1 design modification
- Red Bull Racing: Official website of Red Bull Racing, providing updates and information about the team.
- Formula 1: Official website of Formula 1, offering news, race schedules, and in-depth coverage of the sport.
- Williams Racing: Official website of Williams Racing, providing insights into the team’s history, drivers, and latest developments.
- FIA: Official website of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for international motorsport, including Formula 1.
- F1 Flow: Website featuring news and analysis on Formula 1 events, including interviews with key figures in the sport.
