Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has joked that Red Bull will introduce Mercedes’ “no sidepods” design, in an attempt to make everybody stop copying the RB19.
Mercedes introduced a new concept at the Monaco Grand Prix whilst Ferrari switched to Red Bull’s sidepod design at the Spanish Grand Prix, with several other teams having also used the RB19 for inspiration.
It’s not uncommon for teams to copy the best car on the grid, something Red Bull arguably expected.
Verstappen has taken it all very well, with the two-time World Champion recognising that the Milton Keynes-based team “hit the ground running” when the new aerodynamic regulations were introduced.
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“I think our next upgrade will be with no sidepods, then everyone can go back”, joked Verstappen to select members of the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “But it’s not only the sideboards, it’s a lot of things [which] have come together.
“We learned a lot over the years, and now, with the new regulations, we hit the ground running and understood what was going on.
“That helps a lot. Hopefully, we can keep [the] momentum going as everyone is pushing very hard to catch up. From our side, we are never satisfied we always want more.”
Red Bull have been sensational this season, to the extent where they already lead the Constructors’ Championship by 135 points.
They’ve so far won every race this season, with Verstappen alone having won five out of the seven completed races in 2023.
The Dutchman has remarkably won 20 of the 29 races to have taken place since the new aero regs were introduced, highlighting his superiority.
Unless something shocking happens, he will become a three-time World Champion this season, putting him amongst the likes of the legendary Ayrton Senna and Niki Lauda.
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This weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix is set to be another race which’ll suit Red Bull, who have proven to be exceptionally quick in a straight-line.
The low-speed corners and high-speed straights should work well for Red Bull; however, Aston Martin are expecting themselves to be strong at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Aston Martin will be introducing a new upgrades package, in an attempt to defeat the Austrians.