Is the Aston Martin AMR23 as inspired as they say from the Red Bull RB18?

Compared to 2022, Alonso explained that the Aston Martin was 80% new and therefore still had a lot of untapped potential. It’s true that the AMR23 doesn’t really resemble the AMR22. But it also doesn’t resemble last year’s best car, the Red Bull RB18. The AMR23 remains a car entirely designed by Aston Martin and its new technical director, Dan Fallows.

In 2020, Racing Point, which will become Aston Martin in 2021 following Lawrence Stroll’s acquisition, received a huge fine of $630,000 for copying a part of the Mercedes. The so-called “pink Mercedes” looked identical to the 2019 Mercedes in every way. And for good reason, in addition to the aerodynamics, Racing Point was also a customer of Mercedes for its engine, gearbox, and rear suspension. One could truly speak of a resemblance.

In 2023, however, if the Aston Martin resembles more the 2022 Red Bull than the Mercedes or Ferrari, there are indeed technical differences that make this car a unique construction.

Big differences

As can be seen in this image, the rear suspension is already a different concept. The AMR 23 has chosen pull-rod suspensions. The suspension arm starts from the bottom of the AMR 23 and goes up to the top of the wheel. It’s the opposite of the RB18 or even the RB19.

This solution involves having a different rear train management, which is influenced by the gearbox and powertrain that are also completely different at Red Bull compared to those installed on Aston Martin, which is still equipped by Mercedes.

We can also note on these images an important difference in terms of the high air intake, above the driver’s helmet. But also in the rear wing. While the concept is generally identical with a flat rear wing, unlike other single-seater concepts with more curved wings, we also note a different shape at the level of the diffuser.

Big resemblances

Overall, even though the aerodynamic concept is similar, all the parts seem very different. However, the chosen aerodynamic principles appear to be the same. The air intake of the side pods takes the same shape as that of the Red Bull. This implies that the front wing and suspension arms must redirect the air in the same way.

Once the air reaches the level of the pontoon, it is redistributed in the same way on both the RB18 and the AMR23. We can observe identical proportions at the level of the pontoon, although the curves are adjusted.

So it is indeed a concept inspired by Red Bull. However, due to its internal components, the AMR23 cannot absolutely replicate the exact design of Red Bull, and this is where the work of Dan Fallows plays a very important role.

Engineer under the direction of Adrian Newey at Red Bull, he joined Aston Martin this winter and perfectly understands the aerodynamic concepts that need to be applied. He doesn’t just reproduce them, but rather adapts them effectively.

Thus, the AMR23 has surprised its opponents this season due to its ability to not overheat its tires and therefore better preserve them throughout a race stint, making the AMR23 one of the best cars currently in the race.