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The small chassis detail that typifies Red Bull's F1 approach

Given the clear advantage that Red Bull holds over its rivals, it would be logical to think there is a silver bullet behind its dominance of the Formula 1 season.

Red Bull Racing RB19 full view

Giorgio Piola's F1 technical analysis

Giorgio Piola is the preeminent Formula 1 technical journalist. View our full selection of Giorgio's technical illustrative content

However, rather than there being one overwhelming design factor that makes the RB19 stand out, the key appears to be a number of smaller details that are all contributing to the overall success.

One design aspect that proves this is the RB19's chassis, with a distinctive V-shaped profile applied to the lower half of the bulkhead.

It is a feature that builds on the tapered profile seen on its predecessor, which was already more contoured than many of the more square-chin variants seen elsewhere up and down the grid.

Red Bull Racing RB18 steering inset
Red Bull Racing RB19 chassis section

The obvious side effect of Red Bull's design decisions is aerodynamic, with the V-shaped profile reducing losses along the chassis' flank, whilst also providing a more generous passage for the airflow passing along this portion of the car.

And, whilst there are likely to be isolated gains from such a design decision, these are going to be further compounded by ongoing development to the aerodynamic links in the chain both fore and aft. These include, but are not limited to, the front wing, nose, sidepod undercut and floor.

Mauricio Gugelmin, March 881

Mauricio Gugelmin, March 881

Photo by: Motorsport Images

Coincidentally it is a design feature that marked Adrian Newey's arrival in F1, as the March 881 also featured a distinctive V-shaped cross section, taking advantage of the shape created by the drivers' splayed feet within.

Red Bull also has a couple of options available in its bulkhead design when it comes to driver cooling, with inlet ports both above and below the inboard suspension, steering assembly and brake cylinders.

The two lower ports are able to receive cool air via a pair of tubes connected centrally, whereas there's only one upper port to be fed when it's in use.

Red Bull Racing RB19 chassis cooling comparison

Red Bull Racing RB19 chassis cooling comparison

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

 

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