P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s RB20 has been the ‘talk of the paddock’ as they’ve taken a dramatic development path away from their
The RB20 has made a major design change by opting for two slim sidepod cooling inlets rather than the conventional large inlets seen across the pit lane, allowing for increased airflow around the sidepods. This innovation mirrors Mercedes’ attempt with the W13’s ‘zero-sidepods’, which proved unsuccessful and was abandoned mid-2023. Red Bull’s successful implementation of this concept indicates significant gains in aerodynamic performance, potentially surpassing their championship-winning RB19. The size and positioning of sidepod inlets are crucial for balancing engine cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, often requiring teams to find the optimal compromise. Red Bull’s evolving design strategy, including hidden cockpit inlets, hints at further developments and a possible shift towards a ‘zero-sidepod’ concept later in the season. The team’s promising performance in pre-season testing, led by Verstappen and Perez, suggests they may once again have outpaced their competitors in the ongoing Formula 1 season.
