Racing Bulls have adjusted their pre-season plans for the 2025 Formula 1 season due to concerns about leaks of their car’s livery. Initially scheduled to run their VCARB02 at Imola on Monday, the team decided it was too risky to proceed with the shakedown, fearing unauthorized photos of their car could surface ahead of the highly anticipated group launch event in London.
A New Approach for the 75th Anniversary
The official launch for F1’s 75th anniversary is set for Tuesday at London’s O2 Arena, where all teams will reveal their cars. Racing Bulls, however, opted to change their shakedown schedule to avoid any potential livery leaks that might disrupt the event’s exclusivity. Instead, they will conduct their shakedown the following day, on Wednesday, February 19th.
The delay follows similar decisions by other teams like McLaren and Williams, who were also testing their cars in private to minimize risks ahead of the launch.
The VCARB02: A Look at the New Car
Reports suggest the VCARB02 will feature significant technical advancements, including the adoption of the Red Bull RB20’s rear suspension and gearbox, alongside the infamous “shark-mouth” sidepods.
The design draws heavily from Red Bull’s successful 2024 car, though Racing Bulls insists that their car is not a simple copy.
CEO Peter Bayer responded to criticisms of the team’s relationship with Red Bull, explaining that their car is unique and the result of careful development.
As F1 teams work on finalizing their cars before testing begins in Bahrain, the introduction of the VCARB02 is likely to be a major talking point throughout the 2025 season.