Red Bull F1 weapons analyzed

To analyze the first part of the season for Red Bull, obviously, it would be enough to look at the numbers: 12 wins in 12 and a lead in both championships [Verstappen at 314 points and Red Bull on 503, 256 points ahead of Mercedes in second].

However, it is worth analyzing this absolute dominance in more detail to understand its roots.

It is important to understand the technical nature of this team to understand the path it has taken already in the design phase with the RB19, which has continued with its development. Having closely observed this car from pre-season testing in Bahrain, the concept’s feel was pure rationality.

Analyzing every area of ​​this car from the front fender to the rear, every element seems to be precisely designed to perform its function best. Let’s try to explain more clearly: every detail of this car is in perfect “harmony” with everything else, and there is a common thread between each element.

This feeling is given by the fact that in the design phase, some areas or functional aspects were not given more importance than others. Basically, everything is subject to the maximum performance and efficiency of the aerodynamic philosophy, but the mechanical elements – the beating heart of the car and the critical point in terms of reliability – have not been sacrificed.

The development of this car essentially started with minor interventions, but in Baku, it was clear that the area that would gradually undergo deeper development was the lower profile of the side legs and the cross-section of the air intakes.

Developments

An upgrade with a reduced vertical section was introduced in Azerbaijan. It is, to be clear, a modification that not only results in superior aerodynamics [the visible bodywork and wings] but also, above all, it determines an increase in the overall performance of the floor, the real weapon of this car.

In Monaco it was possible to see the shape that, in the development of this element, inspired the opposing teams, but without objectively achieving the same results.

An important element remains the close connection found and perfected between the work of the RB19 suspension, with particular emphasis on the front characterized by a high anti-dive effect and floor efficiency.

In practice, also thanks to the suspension, combined with the special configuration of the floor characterized by discontinuous volumes, the RB19 is the only car practically insensitive to blurring.

The latest development, introduced in Hungary, has in fact enhanced both the original benefits in terms of downforce load generated by the floor, while increasing the performance of DRS, a further weapon of this car, capable of gaining around 20 km/ hour on average when activated. .

Each development, if analyzed carefully, led to successive benefits in all areas of the car where performance still had room for improvement.

This is the philosophy that Adrian Newey carefully follows – constantly improving, even in small steps, every detail of the car that is believed to provide higher performance, but without ever distorting the work.

This approach allows maintaining the advantage over opponents who are forced to evolve at “double speed” to regain ground. The pursuit will continue in the second part of the season where Red Bull has planned to continue development of the RB19 with an eye to next year.

Baku sidepod development

Red Bull introduced a major modification to the sidepod inlets in Azerbaijan, shortening their section to improve the performance of the RB19.

The reduced vertical section did not imply a reduction in the guaranteed heat exchange, thanks to an accurate study of the pressures of the incoming air flow.

Sidepod development in Hungary

Looking at the new version alongside the previous iteration, you can see that the vertical section has practically been reduced by more than 40 percent thanks to an increase in the area of ​​the lower lip, which is sloped upwards.

This also allowed the lower edge of the side panels to be reshaped – now rounded with a greater radius of curvature. This has widened the section of the channel between the side legs and the floor.

DRS weapon

DRS efficiency in the Red Bull is more than 30 percent higher than its rivals.

With DRS on, the RB19 showed a straight line speed increase of over 20 km/h over the rival cars.

In Belgium, the effect seemed to be further enhanced by the latest additions to the sidepods.

With the flap open, the car manages to stop the diffuser earlier and over a wider range of speeds than its competitors.

Tone sensitivity

The schematic side view highlights the location of the RB19’s center of pitch close to the car’s center of gravity, reducing load transfer.

Part of this effect is also emphasized by the accentuated anti-dive of the front suspension [see pick-up points position]