Red Bull have launched their 2021 Formula 1 car – the RB16B.
Red Bull have unveiled their 2021 F1 machinery. The RB16B was revealed online on Tuesday morning. The RB16B is Red Bull’s third and final car with a Honda-badged engine. The Japanese manufacturer announced their intention to leave the sport last October, while last week Red Bull announced their plan to continue using Honda’s F1 power unit technology from 2022 onwards, under a new company named Red Bull Powertrains Limited.
Red Bull took an unchallenged second place in the 2020 Constructors’ Championship. They were not close enough to Mercedes to challenge for the title – though they were closer on qualifying pace than they had been in previous seasons – yet no team behind was close enough to take the second spot from them. The team claimed two wins over the 2020 season, both with Max Verstappen. The Dutchman also took the only non-Mercedes powered pole at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Alex Albon’s tenure at Red Bull was under the spotlight for most of the season – not least with former Red Bull champion Sebastian Vettel’s services available, Nico Hulkenberg’s super-sub outings and Pierre Gasly’s stunning performances at the junior team.
READ MORE: RED BULL’S 2020 SEASON IN STATS / RED BULL TEAM PROFILE
Ultimately, Albon – who this week vowed to make an F1 comeback in 2022 – has been replaced for the 2021 season by former Racing Point driver Sergio Perez. Perez was one of the stars of the midfield in 2020 and took his maiden victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix. Perez scored points in all but four races last year – two which he missed due to contracting coronavirus and two in which he suffered engine failures. It is this consistency which Red Bull hope will bring them a more solid championship challenge in 2021.
Will Red Bull be genuine title contenders in 2021? Leave a comment with your thoughts below!
