The dawn of a new era for F1 and Red Bull Racing
There is plenty of change both in the sport and at Tilbrook
A new dawn is set to rise in Australia this weekend not only for F1, but for Red Bull Racing too.
Sweeping new regulations are set to change the complexion of the sport, not least at Tilbrook. The introduction of new engine rules have seen Red Bull build their own power units for the first time, under the guidance of American giants Ford.
Pre-season testing looked promising, with Max Verstappen and new team-mate Isack Hadjar putting plenty of miles into the new RB22. However, after six days of testing in Bahrain, Verstappen’s fastest lap was more than a second off the ultimate pace set by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but within a few tenths of Mercedes and McLaren.
The new regulations though have split opinion in the paddock amongst the drivers, but Verstappen has been the most vocal in speaking out against them. With new aerodynamic rules and several new systems to help encourage the show, the Dutchman spoke out against the changes, shifting away from the previous design of cars which saw him win three of his four world driver’s championships.
Leading up to the first race though, he said: “Now is the real test. Looking to Melbourne, I don’t know how it is all going to play out, but we have been learning a lot and working on optimising the car as best we can. This year will be a particularly exciting challenge and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes."
Hadjar meanwhile is eager to impress his new team bosses after making the move up to the senior Red Bull team, while expunging the memories of his last trip to Australia. Making his debut this time last year, the Frenchman crashed out in wet conditions on the formation lap, failing to even make it to the start.
He said: “I’m excited to get to Melbourne and begin my first weekend as a Red Bull Racing driver. It’s a special moment for me and something I’ve been working toward for a while.
“The preparation over the winter has been intense, but Albert Park is an incredible circuit, and I feel ready.
“The goal for this weekend is to build confidence with the regulations under race conditions, and extract everything we can from the car.”
Eager fans will need to set early alarms on Sunday for the race, with lights out at 4am.