Red Bull Keeping Tabs On Mercedes’ Evolution In F1
Giancarlo Perlas June 12, 2023
As the 2023 Formula 1 season is underway, Red Bull Racing continues to assert its dominance, leading both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. With its eyes firmly fixed on the competition, the group’s astute attention to detail extends to its main rival, Mercedes F1. Let’s delve into how the team has meticulously tracked and analyzed Mercedes’ developments, seeking to maintain its edge in the fast-paced world of the sport.
Keeping Tabs on the Competition
In the world of F1, staying ahead definitely requires constant awareness and analysis of rivals’ innovations. Red Bull’s accomplished aerodynamicist, Adrian Newey, recognized the significance of Mercedes F1’s unconventional ‘zeropod’ concept, which garnered attention during the 2022 season.
While Red Bull focused primarily on their own car’s development, Newey acknowledged in an interview with Sports Illustrated that they briefly examined Mercedes’ design during the second winter test in Bahrain last year.
Zero Side Pods Concept Failing to Deliver
Mercedes’ W13, characterized by its unique minimal sidepods, failed to deliver the anticipated advantage. The team encountered aerodynamic challenges, resulting in Lewis Hamilton and George Russell struggling with instability on the track, particularly on porpoising.
Acknowledging their misstep, Team Principal Toto Wolff openly admitted that Mercedes “got the physics wrong” in his comments with SB Nation.
Mercedes Learns From Mistake
Learning from their experience, the engineers of Mercedes made significant changes to their design for the 2023 season, introducing the upgraded W14. With the abandonment of the zero pods concept, the team sought to rectify their aerodynamic issues.
The new configuration, which includes the reintroduction of sidepods, aimed to enhance stability and overall performance. So far, the decision seems to be paying off as displayed by the team at the last Spanish GP.
Observations of Red Bull
Red Bull Racing said that it keenly observed Mercedes’ developments, recognizing the impact these changes could have on the competition. While primarily focused on its own advancements, Red Bull briefly examined the W14, seeking insights into Mercedes’ goals and strategy.
Their thorough understanding of their rival’s evolution enabled Red Bull to refine their own aerodynamic solutions, resulting in a competitive and well-performing car.
Red Bull on Maintaining Dominance
Red Bull’s astute approach to monitoring and analyzing Mercedes’ progress highlights its commitment to maintaining its dominant position in F1. By observing its rivals, the team gathers valuable knowledge and insights, continuously striving to refine its own techniques and technologies to maintain its superiority over the competition.
