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RED BULL SEEKS TOP-END SPEED, ENGINE RELIABILITY
In order to make up for the lack of oomph from its Renault power unit, Red Bull has been working on the RB13’s wings. At the front, the upper flap was dented in order to generate less drag. The same rationale could be found in the new rear wing, which featured a flatter main board, flaps that were less tilted, and endplates without any slits.
Last Friday’s free practice saw Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen test various aero specs, including a radical super-skinny design that was eventually not retained, though the team probably looks to run it at Monza.
Ricciardo took full advantage of race circumstances to secure another podium finish this year, while his Dutch team-mate endured an early retirement due to an engine problem (despite a change of ICE on Friday). Verstappen will probably have to serve a grid penalty at Monza. The 19-year-old has suffered his fair share of engine-related issues this year and has already gone through four ICEs (like his team-mate), three turbochargers, four MGU-Ks, two MGU-Hs, two batteries, and two control electronics.
Renault, for its part, modified the engine mappings on its RE17 power unit at Spa in order to offer better driveability. Engine boss Rémi Taffin hinted at more structural tweaks for Monza, in the hope of unlocking more horsepower.
