Crimson Bull’s new RB21 has launched in Bahrain because it seems to supply Max Verstappen with the equipment to win a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship.
Verstappen has gained all three of the drivers’ titles for the reason that floor impact automobiles had been launched in 2022, following on from his maiden championship in 2021. Crimson Bull launched photos of the RB21 earlier than working it throughout a filming day on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit, and says the brand new automobile is “an evolution of a era of Crimson Bulls, which have dominated latest seasons”.
Crimson Bull stays secretive concerning the particulars surrounding the brand new automobile, releasing restricted details about its technical specification because it seems to bounce again from a difficult second half of 2024. Having gained seven of the primary ten races, Verstappen would go ten occasions and not using a victory because the automobile turned more and more tough to drive, however two wins within the closing 4 races confirmed indicators of restoration.
Forward of his title protection, Verstappen says he believes Crimson Bull is on the proper path however he’s relishing the prospect of a detailed battle with a number of different drivers.
“I believe we do perceive the place the problems had been coming from [in 2024] however now it’s about attempting to simply add a greater stability to the automobile,” Verstappen stated. “After all you alter perhaps a couple of approaches however I suppose solely time will inform how a lot we’ve got discovered. I discover it actually tough to say in the intervening time however hopefully simply on track.
“I haven’t actually pushed rather a lot on the sim to be trustworthy, I desire to attend till I’ve pushed the true factor.
“I believe it’s good for the game (if it’s shut). That’s additionally, I believe, why the principles had been set like that. So, I do hope that it’s thrilling and that we get plenty of totally different winners, groups as properly. That may be nice for the game.”
The RB21 is the primary automobile with out important enter from former chief technical officer Adrian Newey, who introduced his departure from Crimson Bull after practically twenty years with the workforce final yr. Newey will begin work at Aston Martin early subsequent month, whereas Crimson Bull’s technical workforce continues to be led by Pierre Wache, who has held the position of technical director since 2018.
Each Verstappen and new teammate Liam Lawson will spend time behind the wheel on Tuesday in Bahrain for the preliminary shakedown, sharing the observe with Mercedes and Williams previous to the beginning of pre-season testing on Wednesday.
