P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s unusual treatment of the radiator intake and sidepod undercut on its 2024 Formula 1 car has caused quite a stir. Gary Anderson takes a look under the bodywork
Red Bull’s 2024 Formula 1 car has an unconventional radiator intake and sidepod design that initially puzzled many observers, resembling a second vertical radiator inlet next to the horizontal one shown in launch images. The speculation sparked debates of copying Mercedes’ ‘zero’ sidepod concept, yet Red Bull’s design is distinctly unique. Despite the team’s secrecy, photographers captured revealing shots of the car’s intricate cooling and electronic components housed in the intricate bodywork. The radiator cores, highlighted in red and yellow, are crucial for cooling the engine’s water and oil systems, while aerodynamic body surfaces must encompass these essential components. The airflow control and boundary layer management provided by the new vertical inlet and revised radiator inlet duct, highlighted in green, are key features influencing the car’s performance. Red Bull’s engineering innovations are evident on track, with initial grip issues quickly resolved during testing – a testament to their ongoing pursuit of speed and performance excellence in Formula 1.
