F1: Red Bull Reveals RB20 for 2024 Season with Design That Mimics Mercedes's W14

The RB20 Formula One race car from Red Bull has been unveiled for the 2024 season, which features some Mercedes-inspired design cues. During Red Bull's shakedown at Silverstone, spy pictures showed some interesting characteristics. One of them was the engine cover with the enlarged cooling gulleys going backwards from the halo. Mercedes' W14 2023 F1 car used a similar design, but the automaker ditched its 'zero-pod' side pods in favour of Red Bull's popular downwash system.

No changes have been made to the RB20's livery from the team's signature navy blue colour scheme. The team is keeping their fingers crossed that they can achieve consistent performance levels with their car's current configuration, even though they've adopted a more aggressive design philosophy.

F1: Red Bull’s 2023 Season

Prior to the unveiling of the RB20, the RB19 had an unprecedented 2023 season, winning twenty-two of the thirty-seven Grand Prix races that were held that year. Impressively, Max Verstappen won 19 of them, giving him plenty of points to secure his third drivers' championship in Qatar. Red Bull achieved a historic one-two finish in the championship standings as the season came to a close with a commanding 290-point lead over Sergio Perez, who finished in second position.

Red Bull had an incredible 451-point lead over Mercedes in the constructors' championship, making them the clear winners. Despite the team's overwhelming advantage, they are aware of the fierce struggle among their opponents. This is especially true given the close battle between Ferrari and Mercedes, as well as the substantial contributions from McLaren and Aston Martin to the title race. The defending world champions are keen to stay competitive and avoid complacency as they enter the 2024 season.

Max Verstappen said: “It does look a bit different. I think the team definitely pushed on quite a bit from last year and I think that’s very positive. I’m just looking forward to get to Bahrain, start testing and really see what the car is capable of.”

Sergio Perez said: “You can see that the team has done an incredible job. We’ve gone very aggressive with the concept, so I’m looking forward to it. I find it great from Red Bull that we’ve had such a dominant car last year, that we just changed completely our concept. It’s something that I think requires a lot of hunger in the team, to keep pushing all the boundaries. It will be interesting to see how everything feels on track.”

Max Verstappen's longest-serving teammate to date is Sergio Perez, who is starting his fourth season with Red Bull. Because his current deal is up at the end of the season, Perez is in a battle for a spot on the squad after the current one expires.

After 2024 preseason testing is over, the season will officially begin on February 29 until March 2 at the Bahrain International Circuit.