Red Bull Racing RB16
| Industry | Formula One racing team |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 2005 |
| Founder | Dietrich Mateschitz, Chaleo Yoovidhya |
| Headquarters | Milton Keynes , United Kingdom |
Key people | Christian Horner (Team Principal) |
| Products | Formula One racing cars (RB16, RB16B) |
| Owner | Red Bull GmbH |
| Website | www |
The Red Bull Racing RB16 and RB16B are Formula One vehicles engineered by Red Bull Racing for competition in the 2020 Formula One World Championship and 2021 Formula One World Championship. These cars are equipped with Honda's RA620H (2020) and the upgraded RA621H (2021) V6 hybrid turbocharged power units, marking Red Bull's second and third partnerships with Honda. The driver roster included Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon during 2020; for the 2021 season, Sergio Pérez took over Albon's race seat while Albon transitioned to a test and reserve driver role.
Initially planned to make their first appearance at the cancelled 2020 Australian Grand Prix due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the RB16 ultimately debuted at the Austrian Grand Prix. The RB16B was introduced at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix after technical regulation changes were postponed because of the pandemic. An agreement among teams and the FIA allowed the 2020 chassis to be carried over into 2021 with updates such as Honda’s improved power unit, enabling Red Bull to remain competitive while gearing up for upcoming regulatory shifts.
2020
With minimal alterations to technical regulations, the RB16 evolved from its predecessor, the RB15. Notable changes included a slimmer nose featuring two extra front inlets, a redesigned bargeboard section, and reduced size of side-pod openings. The car also incorporated a large 'cape' aerodynamic element beneath the nose—a concept popularized by Mercedes but new to Red Bull. The rear suspension components were elevated, and the rear wing was reinforced with an additional support pillar. According to team principal Christian Horner, the front multi-link suspension underwent redesign aimed at enhancing handling in low-speed corners.
2021
For 2021, Red Bull utilized development tokens to modify the gearbox casing, which facilitated a rearrangement of the rear suspension that significantly boosted rear downforce.
Honda RA621H
Honda had initially deferred the introduction of its new power unit until 2022 due to COVID-19 disruptions but accelerated the debut of the RA621H engine to 2021 after announcing its departure from Formula One at season’s end. This strategic decision was intended to mount a championship challenge against Mercedes during Honda’s final official season, despite only six months available for development and inherent reliability concerns.
The RA621H represented Honda’s most extensive engine overhaul since 2017, retaining its fundamental architecture but featuring a more compact camshaft arrangement positioned lower in the engine, revised valve angles, and decreased cylinder bore spacing compared to its predecessor, the RA620H. These modifications altered combustion chamber geometry and airflow dynamics, producing a significantly smaller engine with a reduced center of gravity. Honda asserted that this unit was even more compact than its original "size zero" concept from 2015 while delivering enhanced performance. Additional upgrades encompassed techniques to increase internal combustion output without compromising MGU-H performance, adjustments to turbine and compressor components, and improved cylinder block resilience through new plating technology sourced from Honda’s Kumamoto motorcycle manufacturing facility.
Special livery
During the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, the RB16B and the drivers' suits showcased a red and white color scheme paying homage to Honda's inaugural Formula One triumph at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. This special design was initially intended for Honda's home event, the Japanese Grand Prix, which was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020
At the season opener, the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen and Albon qualified second and fourth respectively, but both were forced to retire because of electrical issues. Verstappen managed several podium finishes, including a victory at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix held at Silverstone Circuit. However, the RB16 generally lagged behind Mercedes' dominant F1 W11, as Mercedes successfully defended both the Constructors' and Drivers' titles. Albon faced difficulties throughout the season, securing only two podiums compared to Verstappen’s eleven, which included two wins. The team concluded the year on a high note with Verstappen winning in Abu Dhabi—their first triumph there since 2013—while Albon finished fourth, applying strategic pressure on Mercedes. Ultimately, Red Bull secured second place in the Constructors' Championship, with Verstappen finishing third and Albon seventh in the Drivers' standings.
2021
At the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, the season’s first race, Verstappen claimed second place while Pérez finished fifth; Verstappen also achieved pole position whereas Pérez qualified 11th. Throughout the season, Verstappen dominated with ten victories and eighteen podium appearances, while Pérez contributed one win along with five podiums. The championship battle between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton culminated dramatically at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen clinched the Drivers' Championship on a final-lap restart. Pérez ended the season fourth overall, having reached as high as third during the year. Despite Verstappen’s title success, Red Bull placed second in the Constructors' Championship, trailing Mercedes by 28 points.
Across 39 races involving both RB16 and RB16B models, Red Bull achieved 13 wins, corresponding to a 33.33% victory rate. The RB16B notably became the first car outside of Mercedes to secure a championship since 2013. Honda also made history as the first Japanese and Asian engine manufacturer to win a turbo-hybrid era world championship. While Red Bull took home the Drivers' Championship, Mercedes maintained their hold on the Constructors' title.
Complete Formula One results
(key)
- Notes
- † Classified despite not finishing, having completed over 90% of the race distance.
- ‡ Points were halved as the race covered less than 75% of the scheduled distance.