RB19 has indisputably established itself as a powerhouse in F1, with Red Bull's impressive performance securing 21 victories in 22 Grands Prix races in F1 2023. Max Verstappen claimed a record-breaking 19 victories and effortlessly claimed his third consecutive World Title.
In preparation for the F1 2024 season, Red Bull is poised to boost its competitive edge with the expected RB20. While Red Bull's undershoot concept has been widely adopted by other teams, the upcoming RB20 will introduce a "radical" change in the way downforce is generated and distributed. Reports from Italy** suggest that the RB20's floor and Venturi tunnel will operate in a different way, pushing the boundaries of ground-effect aerodynamics developed by the RB19.
The RB20 is described as a challenger that will take the innovative concepts pioneered in RB19 to an "extreme" level. Observers in the paddock expect Red Bull to have the ability to dominate again in mid-2024, potentially 'annihilating' their rivals with the advanced capabilities of the RB20.
Despite the overall strength of the RB19, there was a clear weakness in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Friday**, with strong winds affecting the car's performance. Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez reported that the RB19 felt "slowed down" and "unbalanced" in gusty wind conditions, reminiscent of potential "suspension damage". However, during the debriefing, design director Adrian Newey, who participated remotely from Daytona's classic 24-hour enduro race, assured that the RB20 would go a long way in alleviating such issues.
Red Bull has amassed a staggering 860 points in 2023, more than double that of its closest rival, Mercedes. Pérez also finished second in the Drivers' Championship, adding another dimension to Red Bull's ambitions as they finally achieved their goal of finishing first and second in the Drivers' Championship. The imminent arrival of RB20 will further amplify expectations, casting an ominous shadow over the race as F1 looks ahead to the challenges of 2024.