RB21: Horner hints at major overhaul despite familiar look

Team principal reveals "almost every single component" changed for 2025 challenger despite familiar livery.

Red Bull Racing has undertaken a comprehensive redesign of its 2025 Formula 1 car despite maintaining a visual similarity to its predecessor, according to team principal Christian Horner.

The RB21, which will defend Max Verstappen's driver's crown but aims to recapture the constructors' title that slipped away in 2024, features extensive modifications beneath its familiar exterior.

Horner emphasized that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to the team's latest challenger.

Evolutionary approach masks significant changes

"Well, the RB21 visually to the RB20 looks very similar, but the devil is in the detail,and almost every single surface, every single component on the car, has been changed, upgraded, refined and improved – so we'll get a first indication of what we've managed to achieve during these next few days testing."

Horner explained.

This revelation comes as Formula 1 enters the final year of the current regulation cycle, with teams taking varied approaches to development.

Aston Martin has claimed their 2025 aerodynamic package is "close to 100 per cent new," while Mercedes has also teased significant changes to their W16 concept.

Addressing the "diva" nature of the previous car

Red Bull's development focus appears centered on creating a more consistent platform after struggles with the RB20's temperamental nature during parts of the 2024 season.

"RB20, obviously, it won more races than any other car last year in nine Grands Prix and four sprint races, but it was a little bit of a diva at times – and extracting the most out of the car did become problematic,"

Horner acknowledged.

The team's goal with the RB21 is clear:

"What we're hoping for with RB21 is that we have a much wider operating window, that the car is a little more predictable and slightly easier to work with,"

Horner added.

Early test data promising but limited

The team has already conducted its allotted filming day running at the Bahrain International Circuit, with both Verstappen and new teammate Liam Lawson – who replaces Sergio Perez for 2025 – completing initial mileage with the RB21.

However, Horner cautioned against drawing performance conclusions from this preliminary outing.

"It is so difficult to get a clear read because we're running on tyres that are very different to what we'll use officially at the races and the test,"

he explained.

Nevertheless, the critical process of validating simulation data appears to be proceeding well.

"It's really just making sure that all the data correlates with our tools in the wind tunnel and in the virtual world, which so far seems to be aligning quite nicely,"

Horner revealed.

Development race expected throughout season

With all ten Formula 1 teams set to begin pre-season testing in Bahrain, Horner acknowledges that the true competitive picture will only emerge gradually, with in-season development likely proving decisive.

"We'll get an indication in these early races, but as always, it's going to be a season of development from the first race to the last race,"

Horner predicted, setting the stage for what promises to be another year of intense technical competition.

The RB21's first meaningful running will come during the three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, providing the first real indication of whether Red Bull's extensive overhaul has successfully addressed the inconsistencies that ultimately cost them the constructors' crown in 2024.