Red Bull unveils its RB21, a car that closely mirrors its predecessor. Subtle refinements may define its 2025 season—evolution or stagnation?
Red Bull has unveiled the first images of its 2025 challenger, and the team appears to have opted for continuity. At first glance, the RB21 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor, the RB20, with only a few fine adjustments that will become truly apparent once the car hits the track.
A Refined Nose and Optimized Front End
One of the most noticeable changes is the nose, which features a particularly low and flattened profile. The trailing edge of the mainplane flaps extends close to the top surface of the nose, making full use of the design regulations. This adjustment, combined with a very low front bulkhead position, is aimed at optimizing airflow to the underfloor and diffuser, a critical area for downforce generation.
A Reworked Front Suspension
The upper wishbone’s forward leg is mounted very high, suggesting a revised suspension geometry. Red Bull is seeking to maximize tire grip across a wide range of conditions—low load in slow corners, high vertical and lateral forces in fast corners, and intense braking phases. Poor management of this range could complicate tire warm-up, an issue that was already a challenge in 2024.
Front Wing Aero Retained
Another notable detail is the continued use of the panel covering the front flap of the nose, eliminating the central slot gap. While this feature may generate a slight increase in aerodynamic load at low speeds, its effect on airflow distribution toward the underfloor remains uncertain.
Sidepods and Engine Cover Unchanged
From the side, the shape of the radiator inlets and engine cover appears unchanged from the RB20. Last year, Red Bull tested multiple cooling exit configurations, so this version may simply be an initial concept set to evolve as the season progresses.
A Conservative but Effective Rear End
The RB21 retains a pushrod-operated rear suspension with moderate anti-lift management on the upper wishbone. This technical choice aims to balance rear-end stability with the car’s response to changes in pitch.
Ultimately, Red Bull seems to have refined the details of its car without overhauling its concept. Whether these adjustments will be enough to maintain its edge or if rivals have found more aggressive solutions for 2025 remains to be seen. The real answer will come once the car hits the track.
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Red Bull RB21: Evolution or Mere Refinement for 2025? Red Bull RB21: Evolution or Mere Refinement for 2025?
