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Red Bull’s new RB16B has been shaken down at Silverstone by drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, although on-track images have not been released by the team.
The RB16B was revealed on Tuesday morning but only in the form of two digital renderings, which remain the only sight of the new car so far.
New signing Sergio Perez completed a two-day RB15 test on Tuesday before Max Verstappen also drove the 2019 car – with an updated 2021 livery – on Wednesday morning.
Both drivers were then able to share time in the RB16B, which has now made its on-track debut. Though pictures have not been released of the RB16B, the team says completed the day’s full mileage allocation and both drivers have commented on the experience of driving it.
While material from such promotional events, such as images or video footage, is often shared immediately this is not always the case, either being withheld entirely for internal or partners’ use or released at a later date.
F1’s rules prohibit extensive current car running outside of official tests but teams are permitted two filming days each restricted to 100km of running on special Pirelli tyres.
Reserve driver Alex Albon, who Perez has replaced for 2021, also drove on Wednesday in the RB15 (below) – which can be used as much as the team desires under the rules governing testing of older machinery.
Red Bull’s renders released on Tuesday showed the launch spec of RB16B has many similarities to its predecessor, and the lack of imagery meant spotting greater differences was difficult.
Aside from noticeable bargeboard and floor changes in the form of extra elements/deflectors, it appeared as though the RB16B’s cape and sidepods had been slightly reprofiled and a potential change on the rear suspension was also noted.
The first physical appearance of the RB16B will likely provide more clues, although with Red Bull holding back the imagery from its promotional day getting a closer look may need to wait until at least pre-season testing in Bahrain next month.
Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri has also conducted a shakedown of its 2021 car on Wednesday.
AlphaTauri ran its AT-02 at Imola, with both Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly present, after Tsunoda had added to his off-season testing tally by conducting more running in a 2019 Toro Rosso as well.
