Red Bull Racing shows off its new RB16!

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing has let its 2020 car out of the bull pen, the Milton Keynes-based outfit releasing a studio shot of its new RB16.

At first sight it appears the team, which won three races last year with Max Verstappen, will pick up from where it left off last year, its new contender looking a lot like its predecessor, save for a few minor changes.

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Otherwise, a closer - albeit very superficial - look reveals that Red Bull has gone for a high rake, short wheelbase approach similar to the RB 15. One will also note the car's slimmer nose, with extra slots at its extreme, a low front suspension mounting (à la Ferrari), and smaller sidepods, while the mirrors appear further stretched out from the cockpit.

Contrary to previous seasons, Red Bull has vowed to put its new car right on the pace at the outset in Melbourne, which is almost a prerequisite for the bulls if they aspire to wrestle the title from Mercedes.

©RedBull

Verstappen will have an opportunity to straddle their new mount on Wednesday as the team shakes down its Honda-powered RB16 during a filming day at Silverstone, and ahead of pre-season testing which kinks off in Barcelona on February 19.

The team will release more pictures of its new car this afternoon.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.