Red Bull F1 weaponry analysed

To analyse the first part of the season for Red Bull, apparently, it would be enough to look at the figures: 12 victories out of 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 analysing this absolute domination in more detail to understand its roots.

It is important to grasp the technical nature of this team in order to understand the path taken already in the design phase with the RB19, which has been continued with its development. Observing this car closely since the pre-season tests in Bahrain, the feeling of the concept was one of absolute rationality.

Analysing every area of this car from the front wing to the rear, every element seems designed exactly to best perform its function. Let's try to explain more clearly: every detail of this car is in perfect 'harmony' with everything else, and there is a single common thread between each element.

This sensation is given by the fact that in the design phase, no greater importance was given to certain areas or functional aspects than others. Basically, everything is subject to the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the aerodynamic concept, but the mechanical elements - the beating heart of the car and the crucial point in terms of reliability - have not been sacrificed.

The development of this car actually started with small interventions, but in Baku, it was clear that the area that would gradually undergo more profound evolution was the lower profile of the sidepods 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 has effects in terms of upper aerodynamics [the visible bodywork and wings] but also, above all, determines an increase in the overall efficiency of the floor, the real weapon of this car.

In Monaco it was possible to see the shape which, in the evolution of this element, inspired the rival teams, but without objectively achieving the same results.

A significant fact remains in the close connection found and perfected between the job of the RB19 suspension, with particular emphasis on the front one characterised by a high anti-dive effect and the efficiency of the floor.

In practice, also thanks to the suspension, combined with the particular conformation of the floor characterised by discontinuous volumes, the RB19 is the only car practically insensitive to porpoising.

The latest development, introduced in Hungary, has in fact strengthened both the original prerogatives in terms of downforce load generated by the floor whilst also increasing the efficiency of the DRS, a further weapon of this car, capable of gaining around 20kph on average when activated.

Each evolution, if we analyse carefully, has led to cascading benefits in all areas of the car where performance still had room for improvement.

This is the philosophy carefully followed by Adrian Newey - constantly improving, even in small steps, every detail of the car which is believed to provide higher performance but without ever distorting the project.

This approach allows the advantage to be maintained over rivals who are forced to evolve at 'double speed' to recover the ground. The pursuit will continue in the second part of the season where Red Bull has planned to continue the development of the RB19 with an eye to next year.

Baku sidepod development

Red Bull introduced a significant modification to the sidepod inlets in Azerbaijan, reducing their section to improve the efficiency of the RB19.

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

Hungary sidepod development

Looking at the new version in parallel with the previous iteration, you can see the vertical section has practically been reduced by more than 40 per cent thanks to the increase in the surface of the lower lip, which has been inclined upwards.

This has also allowed a reprofiling of the lower edge of the side panels - now rounded with a greater radius of curvature. This has widened the section of the channel between the sidepods and the floor.

DRS weapon

DRS effectiveness on the Red Bull is more than 30 per cent greater than its rivals.

With the DRS open, the RB19 showed a straight-line speed increase of over 20kph over rival cars.

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

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

Pitch sensitivity

The schematic side view highlights the position of the pitch-centre of the RB19 close to the car's centre of gravity, reducing load transfers.

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