F1 2022: Red Bull bids for title defence with new RB18

Red Bull Racing pulled the covers off its 2022 F1 race car, the RB18. However, it looks like the launch featured a showcar with updated livery, as teams try to keep their real designs under wraps for as long as possible.

• Oracle sponsorship reportedly worth $100 million per year
• Verstappen and Perez continue with the team
• Testing starts on February 23

RB18 will look very different by Bahrain GP

The new 2022 rules usher in a complete overall change of chassis design to promote closer racing. Along with the re-introduction of ground effects, the new F1 cars will sport more simplified front wings, bigger rear wings, wheel-wake control devices, a simplified suspension and low-profile tyres with larger 18-inch rims (up from the current 13-inch rims).

So, it makes sense that teams will want to hold their cars closer to their chest and not give away any design loopholes or secrets this early on. The RB18 showcased at the launch event looked quite similar to the F1 show car displayed at the British GP last year. However, team principal Christian Horner admitted the car will look quite different by the time the season kicks off at Bahrain on March 20.

“Because it’s new regulations, it’s going to evolve very, very quickly. I think by the time we get to the first race, the car’s not going to look very much like this, and I think the evolution will be very, very quick as we progress through the season,” he said.

Red Bull signs new title deal with Oracle

Red Bull has also announced US tech giant Oracle as its new title sponsor. The deal is reportedly worth $500 million over the next five years (or $100 million each year), covering a significant chunk of the $140 million cost cap.

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s earlier engine partner Honda may have left F1, but they will continue building power units for the team, badged under the operation’s new engine division – Red Bull Powertrains. The RB18 does feature small HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) stickers on the engine cover.

Verstappen will race with No. 1

Let’s admit it, Verstappen’s 2021 title victory will likely always been an oft-debated chapter in F1 history. This year he’ll be looking to defend his title successfully, with Sergio Perez returning for a second season with Red Bull.

Unlike Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen has opted to race under number one and not his trademark number 33. Speaking about the upcoming season, he said, “I just do what I do all the time – there is no reason to suddenly be different. And of course, as a driver now with the new regulations, you have to get used to the car. It’s not like you just jump in and it’s an upgrade from last year. So that is going to be the biggest adaptation,”

The RB18 will now hit the track for pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 23.

Who do you think will win the 2022 F1 title? Tell us in the comments below.

Also see:

New F1 engine rules pave way for Porsche, Audi entry