Mercedes technical director James Allison admitted the team would be “really happy” to learn more about Red Bull's RB20's new cooling system, which they “still haven't figured out”.
Following the overwhelming success of last year's RB19, Red Bull took a different design approach this season and surprised the F1 paddock, winning 21 of 22 races last year.
One of those areas is around the RB20's cooling system, with rivals wanting to take a closer look at how the latest design actually performs.
Mercedes boss: Red Bull 'does it for a reason' with new cooling system
Mercedes raised eyebrows over the design it introduced for the W15's front wing, but was praised for its use of a “legality wire” to ensure the new wing complies with FIA regulations while innovating elsewhere. .
However, when it comes to Red Bull, Allison observes that the way the team has set up to cool the RB20 doesn't look “light and smooth” and is particularly keen to find out why.
The F1 paddock is a hotbed of research, so teams often catch on to rival innovations in time, but when new cars are released, there is uncertainty while new designs are thought through. will occur.
“Well, I'd really love to be invited to the Red Bull garage, take off the engine cover and take a closer look at some of those 'snorkelly' things,” he said when asked if he saw anything special in the paddock. Alisson told Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz. He surprised me this season.
“There's definitely a different approach taken there, because if you get a glimpse of the cooling system, it's definitely not as light and smooth.
“They probably did it for a reason. I'd like to know what that reason is, but we don't know yet.”
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Mercedes remains positive about its prospects after testing, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell expressing belief the W15 is a step forward compared to its 2023 challengers.
However, with other teams improving compared to last season and Red Bull also taking a different tack with the design of the RB20, it is likely that the reigning world champions will go into the season as favorites to retain their title. Alison believes.
“I don't think it's surprising to anyone out there.” [Red Bull] “You can see the nose and maybe a little more of the face in front of us chasing it,” he said.
“But I think we'll do well in the pursuit and hopefully [we’ll] It will only grow stronger throughout the year.”
The 2024 season begins next weekend in Bahrain, with free practice on Thursday, qualifying on Friday, and the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, March 2nd.
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