Under the Hood: Red Bull's RB20 Stuns F1 with Unprecedented Aerodynamic Tweaks

Red Bull has unveiled significant changes to their RB20 car for the upcoming Formula 1 season departing from the bodywork trends of the previous year. The most notable modification is the upright radiator inlet, positioned inboard and running to the bottom of the chassis. This design allows for a substantial undercut at the front of the sidepods presenting a departure from both the previous Red Bull models and the zero sidepod Mercedes of 2022.

Advances in radiator technology enable smaller coolers placed lower in the RB20 reducing the car’s center of gravity height. The vertical shape of the inlet enhances the undercut optimizing airflow along the floor edges. The reconfigured cooling layout and minimized radiators also contribute to a shorter and more streamlined rear upper bodywork creating additional volume ahead of the rear wing and enhancing airflow around the diffuser. 

Overall, these aerodynamic changes aim to maximize the performance of the underfloor with a focus on the venturi tunnels making Red Bull a formidable contender for the upcoming season.