Red Bull RB16B: An updated winning formula?

One of the hotly anticipated cars in Formula 1 just made its debut. Red Bulls Racing fans can rejoice as the team's 2021 race car is here. It's called the RB16B, and it's out to snatch wins away from Mercedes-AMG.

Yes, we know what you’re thinking. It looks almost identical to the RB16 (last year's car). Red Bull didn’t even attempt to hide that fact, as the RB16B name comes from the idea that this year's car is merely an evolution of the previous chassis. It retains the thin front nose and distinct rear wing design. According to the team, the only notable changes are the side-pods. The squad says this updated aerodynamic package can generate more downforce and help the RB16B’s quest for more wins.

The biggest change for the team is their driver line-up. In a highly publicized move, the team dropped Alex Albon (Although he remains as reserve driver) in favor of veteran driver Sergio Perez. The Mexican racer is to race alongside Max Verstappen. While a lot has been said about it, nobody can argue the value Sergio Perez brings to the team. Apart from being known as a very consistent driver, he is also fresh off his maiden victory in the sport last year.

The tidbit about the RB16B is that it’s the last time Honda will be put on the engine cover, after this year they will be leaving the sport (sort of). Although the Honda brand is gone, Red Bull recently secured a deal with them, that allows Red Bull to buy Honda’s engines and brand them as their own.

So in what will effectively be Honda’s swansong year, fans hope that the Red Bull and Honda partnership can challenge for more victories consistently.