General
Ricciardo doubts the Red Bull Racing concept: "If you see Mercedes..."
- GPblog.com
Red Bull Racing is more behind Mercedes than last season, that much is clear after three races. In addition, it has gained a competitor. Ferrari may have fallen back, but Racing Point was at least in qualifying faster at the Hungaroring. What does that say about the design of the RB16?
Red Bull Racing has taken Adrian Newey's 'high rake' concept to extremes in recent years. In this design, the car tilts forward excessively, which in theory allows air to be directed to the diffuser underneath the car, generating more downward pressure.
However, there is also a greater risk that the air escapes under the car and the driver suddenly loses grip at the back of the car. Whether this is indeed the case with the RB16, is speculating for the time being, but it has every appearance of it. The competition also notices this.
Renault and Racing Point see opportunities
Ricciardo will therefore make a comparison with Mercedes during the press conference prior to the British GP. "If you see their performance with a different concept, it could be that there is room for development", concludes the Australian.
Mercedes was indeed for years the only team that did not copy the Red Bull concept, but with Racing Point a team has now joined. They think they can make the Red Bull seriously difficult this season. "We were absolutely the fastest team in Hungary and want to keep this momentum in Great Britain", said Lance Stroll.