RB leverages Red Bull’s technology for its new F1 car, the RB VCARB 01, aiming for a competitive edge in the 2024 season.
It’s no secret: Red Bull’s second team, now known as RB, is utilizing numerous parts from the parent squad on its new F1 car, the RB VCARB 01.
At Williams, Alex Albon, who wasn’t behind the wheel on Thursday but returned on Friday, took the opportunity to observe the car driven by Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo. Without a doubt, he believes the Faenza team will make progress in 2024 thanks to this.
“They’ve taken a step forward. They’ve clearly… assembled some good parts (from Red Bull),” stated the Thai driver.
“They seem really, really fast. So, I think they’ve made a step forward and that has to be acknowledged. But we’re here, I don’t think we’re far off.”
Indeed, Albon feels that the FW46, which has also undergone significant development, should be competitive as well.
“I think we have a car, I wouldn’t say ‘normal,’ but I believe our balance and speed will be close to the grid norm.”
“That said, circuits like Monza should suit us well. But we should be much more competitive on tracks like Bahrain. Time will tell. I haven’t covered enough laps yet.”
One thing is for certain: the Williams driver feels a real difference with this year’s car.
“The feeling at the front of the car is completely different. Everything about the design is new. So, the feeling is nothing like before. We’re now using the Mercedes rear end, so we also have a new philosophy in terms of balance settings. There are a lot of new things, and we’re moving in the right direction.”
“But it’s strange, I’ve spent two years developing, or driving, a car with certain characteristics, unique characteristics. And now, all that is thrown away, and I have to relearn.”
Albon almost feels like he’s driving for a new team this season.
“Yes, regulations can change and everything else, cars can have more downforce or certain subtleties, but they always have a DNA, a very strong DNA.”
“It really feels like that only changes when you switch teams, at least that’s how it felt to me. I feel like I’ve switched teams, but in fact, I’m still with Williams.”
The 27-year-old driver also revealed which teams have impressed him the most during these winter tests.
“Red Bull and Ferrari seem unaffected by the wind. They corner as they please and have a lot of rear grip while other cars seem to struggle. I wouldn’t want to disappoint or bore the fans, but they look fast.”
RB Advances with Red Bull Parts, Albon Acknowledges. RB Advances with Red Bull Parts, Albon Acknowledges
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