HUNGARY: Red Bull Racing, the dominant force of the 2023 Formula 1 season, is set to extend its lead at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix with new upgrades to its RB19 car.
The team’s relentless form has already secured their victories in all ten races this year, making them the overwhelming favorites for the championship titles.
The RB19, the latest creation by renowned designer Adrian Newey, has been a formidable package on the track, showcasing its superiority with four 1-2 finishes and nine pole positions in qualifying sessions.
However, Red Bull shows no signs of complacency and is ready to introduce further enhancements at the Hungaroring.
Reports indicate that Red Bull’s upgrades will focus on the sidepods, with significant visible changes expected. The team is said to have drawn inspiration from Aston Martin’s deep groove in their sidepod design, aiming to extract even more performance from their car.
The improvements can yield a substantial gain of approximately two-tenths of a second per lap, similar to those achieved with their previous upgrades in Baku.
Max Verstappen, the current championship leader, expressed his anticipation for the forthcoming enhancements. He stated that the team is working on various areas, such as drag reduction, performance in different speed ranges, DRS effectiveness, and tire wear.
With Hungary offering a different track layout and characteristics, the upgrades are crucial for maintaining Red Bull’s dominance.
The fact that Formula 1 regulations will remain unchanged between this and the following season amplifies the importance of these upgrades. Any progress made now will carry over to the RB20 car, giving Red Bull a head start for the upcoming campaign.
However, the team needs assistance dividing resources between this year’s RB19 and next year’s car due to the limited wind tunnel testing required by aerodynamic regulations.
Christian Horner, the team principal, highlighted the strategic decisions Red Bull must make, considering the restricted testing opportunities.
Despite the constraints, the team arrived with a competitive package at the beginning of the season, allowing them to capitalize on their early momentum.
Horner emphasized carefully selecting testing and development priorities, as resources have already shifted towards the RB20.
The inconsistency of their rivals has also bolstered Red Bull’s advantage. With different teams taking turns as the nearest challenger in each race, competitors have yet to challenge Red Bull’s dominance consistently.
As a result, Red Bull currently leads the Constructors’ Championship by a staggering 208 points ahead of Mercedes. At the same time, Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez occupy the top two positions in the Drivers’ standings.
As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Red Bull and their upgraded RB19. Can they extend their winning streak to eleven races and solidify their position as the team to beat? Formula 1 fans eagerly await the next chapter of this thrilling season.
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