Those inside the Formula One paddock are reportedly of the belief that Red Bull did not need to make such drastic changes to their new RB20 as last season’s car was capable of winning the Drivers’ Championship this year again anyway. Max Verstappen cruised to his third career title last year and has his hopes set on landing the four-timer.
The RB20 took to the track during the pre-season testing at Bahrain on Wednesday, with Verstappen completing 66 laps in the morning session and clocking a time of 1:32.548. The Dutchman will have learned plenty from his new-look vehicle and improvement is anticipated as he becomes more comfortable with the car.
With a vertical air intake, inlet cannons and a more refined floor, heads were turned by the RB20 as it emerged onto the track – and its debut will have struck fear into the hearts of numerous drivers who had hopes of pushing Verstappen for the title.
However, some insiders in the paddock certainly won’t be shocked by the potential improvements made by Red Bull given their desire to reign supreme for many years to come. According to Auto Motor und Sport, paddock sources claim that the team could have ‘easily’ developed the RB19 from last season and still led the way for the remainder of the season.
However, Red Bull’s desire to ‘dominate’ rather than simply win has led them to launch RB20 with a few noticeable changes – in what is a worrying sign for those looking to go head-to-head with Verstappen at the top of the championship.
Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc all have hopes of at least mounting a charge for the Drivers’ Championship this season, though the progress being made annually by Red Bull is making it very tough to close the gap on the team.