A new identity for the team now known as RB brings with it various design cues that demonstrate the closer alignment with its (big) sister squad
JAKE BOXALL-LEGGE
FLOOR
There are similarities to the AT04’s very late-spec floor. That’s perhaps to be expected given that it was added to last year’s Abu Dhabi package with a view to developing it for this season and the stability of the regulations. This yielded a greatly improved performance in low-speed conditions, so much so that paddock suggestions were that AlphaTauri (as-was) developed it to help its sister team amid Red Bull’s uneasiness in slower speed corners. It’s likely that the real VCARB 01 will feature further developments based on the team’s findings at Yas Marina, particularly in ensuring that it works with the ‘new’ suspension package at the front.
SUSPENSION
Having built its own suspension package last year, RB has rolled back on that approach to align more closely with Red Bull. Part of that reversal was conducted last season, as it picked up the RB19’s push-rod rear suspension prior to September’s Singapore round. It has now taken on front suspension components from Red Bull’s 2023 car for 2024, including pull-rod actuated springs. The team has thus implemented the heavily inclined wishbones within the RB19’s front suspension to imbue the VCARB 01 with improved anti-dive properties to keep the floor platform less affected by changes in pitch. Keeping the flow underneath the car consistent reduces the risk of sudden downforce losses during high-speed cornering.
REAR WING
The late-season rear wing has also been included, with the exposed-tip upper element that became a prevailing trend last year. A small bracket near the front corners of that upper element helps to keep the wing within the legality window set by the FIA but skirts the intent of the rules governing the rear wing to increase vorticity at the tips. Ultimately, this is a boost to rear-win
