Red Bull releases first image of RB16 ahead of track debut

By on

Along with a tweet "liveries are meant to last", Red Bull Racing showed off a first image of its new RB16, featuring a nearly identical livery compared to its predecessors.

But, while the livery is unchanged, the car isn't. The official studio shot reveals several interesting details, included a new slotted thumb style nose cone, an obvious Mercedes-like 'cape' attached underneath the nose, combined with the continued use of an S-duct, and boomerang style elements on the barge board section.

The car also stays true to Red Bull's typical sidepod design shape, but it is once again clear that much development has cone into this area, as the sidepods is now more bulbous, leaving more room for free airflow behind it, and therefore onto the rear diffuser.

Today the RB16 is let loose in the hands of Max during the Team's official filming day at Silverstone Circuit, as teammate Alex watches on awaiting his turn at next week's Barcelona test.

Track debut

At 12:15, the car was released out on track at Silverstone.

Verstappen was seen running both wet and dry compound tyres and completed the shakedown without any major trouble.

Next up is the team's preparation for the pre-season test in Barcelona, towards which the car should be shipped.