Launch of Red Bull 2021 car, the RB16B, as team effort to end Mercedes Formula 1 title streak

Introducing the latest Red Bull title hopes when a team releases the first images of the RB16B, which Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will drive in 2021

Red Bull have the first images of the car they hope to put forward Max Verstappen and sign Sergio Perez to the 2021 title challenge as permanent F1 opponents try to end Mercedes dominance.

The new car, the RB16B, gives Red Bull’s latest hope of returning to the forefront for the first time since 2013, after finishing in a distant second behind Mercedes that the seven won. last season.

And Red Bull is heading out for a closer battle in 2021.

Not only has the team signed the Perez familiar but hungry and in shape to the Verstappen star driver, but this is Honda ‘s last season in F1 before delivering their engine project to Red Bull from 2022.

Honda, which has improved in recent seasons but slipped well behind Mercedes with power hunger last year, is aiming for a fast-paced pace to support Red Bull and their car that is usually tidy.

The RB16B, as the name implies, is based on the genes of Red Bull’s last car with the team keeping the usual thin nose and the familiar design of the rear wing.

But with new F1 rules described as vague but potentially “important”, it seems Red Bull have made significant changes to their new opponent – especially on the sidelines. while trying to reduce and regenerate Mercedes.

Although the RB16 was from 2020, although it was improving over the year, it was often impossible for the drivers so improving driving ability and consistency were the main targets for the team in the winter.

Can Verstappen and Perez fight Mercedes with a new car?

The fourth team to launch their car before the new season but the first to do so with only digital images and no drivers present, Red Bull did not take much away from the changes in the car. , or hopes for the season, Tuesday.

But they made it clear that the RB16B is “aiming to carry the momentum of 2020 into the new season in a bid to fight for this year’s title”.

Last season, Red Bull started the year around half a second per lap down on Mercedes before winning two races throughout the year, excitingly, and confidently, at the end of the season at Abu Dhabi when Verstappen appeared away from his rivals.

While that impact would be as great as the development of the Mercedes stall as Red Bull’s improved pace is available this season.

What Red Bull knows is that they have a weapon, along with Lewis Hamilton, the fastest and most consistent driver in the sport at Verstappen, the 23-year-old who still shows the title’s defiant ability but hasn’t been packaged give him still a fight at the front through a campaign.

The team should also be boosted by the arrival of Perez, who will replace Alex Albon for 2021.

Verstappen fought Mercedes alone for most of last season with Albon often unable to get out of midfield, and Perez is least expected to help Verstappen in taking on Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

After eight seasons with Force India / Racing Point following a one-on-one campaign with McLaren, Perez is finally getting another top team opportunity – something his recent seasons ’achievements have earned him.

The best F1 season at 31 came so far last year, and he got a big F1 victory at the last race in Bahrain.

More to follow.