Red Bull takes inspiration from Mercedes with all-new RB20

Red Bull has taken the covers off its newest Formula 1 challenger, the RB20, which will compete in the 2024 season.

The launch of the car on Thursday provided the first indications that Red Bull may be moving in a different design direction compared to last year’s all-conquering RB19.

Most notably, the RB20 incorporates long cooling gulleys along the engine cover in a similar fashion to Mercedes’ 2023 car, the W14.

These extended channels appear intended to improve airflow to the power unit and gearbox to aid cooling.

Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal, did not dismiss further refinements ahead of pre-season testing and the opening race, but the initial RB20 package contains several intriguing elements evidently inspired by rival outfits.

Besides the Mercedes-esque cooling gulleys, the RB20 sports a vertical sidepod radiator inlet reminiscent of Mercedes’ 2022 ‘zeropod’ concept, paired with even more dramatically undercut sidepods versus the RB19.

The front end and nose section seem largely similar to the well-honed RB19, while the floor on display at the launch is expectedly basic compared to the definitive version.

According to Max Verstappen, reigning two-time World Champion, the RB20's original design proposals appeared markedly different.

Sergio Perez suggested the concept has changed extensively versus expectations. Horner reiterated that the RB20 remains an evolution of the all-conquering RB19, with select aggressive interpretations by Red Bull’s designers in certain areas.

Horner posited rivals have settled on concepts akin to Red Bull’s 2023 solutions, likely prompting this altered approach to stay ahead.

The extent to which the Mercedes-inspired RB20 elements are a smokescreen or genuinely integral to performance will only become evident in pre-season running.

Verstappen did indicate happiness at the chosen direction, while Perez praised the boldness of shifting philosophies so radically.

If the RB20’s innovations translate to real-world circuit action, Red Bull could cement its status as the dominant force in hybrid-era Formula 1 heading into the sport’s new engine regulations in 2026.