The 13th is at the start with Red Bull

For generations, the number 13 has been considered a number to avoid at all costs. Thus, this number only appeared on a single-seater on those of Pastor Maldonado in 2014 and 2015 because the South American did not feel concerned by this superstition.

Similarly, Red Bull chose not to skip a number after their RB12 in 2016 and continued the numbering to reach the RB13. One could say that Red Bull was able to profit from the experience of its technical director, Adrian Newey, who recalls: “The first car I was responsible for at McLaren was the MP4/13 and we were able to win both titles.” The team from Milton Keynes took the nod even further by deciding to unveil this car at 1:13 PM, not hesitating to say that this RB13 would bring bad luck to some (meaning their opponents). Like most other teams, the team’s aerodynamicists have also adopted the shark fin at the back of the engine cover. However, the tip of the front wing has a notable difference compared to the competition: it consists of a hole, allowing air to pass inside the cockpit. Another notable difference is this indentation in the bodywork just in front of the space reserved for the driver’s number.

As we could have guessed from the photos of the new driver suits and team trucks, Red Bull has chosen to keep its matte paint introduced last year. We can also note few changes in terms of sponsors, apart from the Mobil logos on the rear wing and the Esso logo at the front.

As expected, last year’s two drivers have been retained. This will be the first full year of head-on competition between Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, which should elevate the team. The two men will alternate at the wheel, with the privilege of the first drive reserved for the Australian.

With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr