Marko insists 'nothing mysterious' about concealed RB16B

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko claims there is "nothing mysterious" about the Milton Keynes-based new RB16B despite the team refusing to release any on-track images of its 2021 charger.

Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez conducted a shakedown of the new machine at Silverstone last week, a day after enjoying track day onboard Red Bull's RB15.

While there was an ample stock of images of both drivers at the wheel of the 2019-spec car, Red Bull went to great lengths to safeguard the secrecy of its new RB16B.

Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal with Dr Helmut Marko (AUT) Red Bull Motorsport Consultant.

"Time was a bit tight to do photoshoot," Marko told F1-Insider.com. "Driving was more important to us than taking photos,” he told F1-Insider.com.

"We have nothing mysterious on the car. No six wheels, no fan in the rear either. The car is a consistent further development of last year’s model.

"The goal is to be able to compete for victories right from the start. At the first tests in Bahrain we will run all the parts on the car that will also be used at the season debut.

"We know fuel quantities and engine settings are played with during the tests. Therefore, the true potential will only be seen at the first race."

Read also: Perez 'can feel the potential' of Red Bull's new RB16B

Despite Marko dismissing any notion of secrecy surrounding Red Bull's new car, rumors continue to linger that the RB16B design incorporates significant changes to its rear suspension elements compared to last year's RB16.

The renderings released last week by Red Bull offered little in terms of clues as to how the RB16B differs from its 2020 predecessor.

The images revealed a slightly reprofiled cape and sidepod as well as a hint to rear suspension changes. Also noticeable were changes to the car's bargeboard and floor areas as mandated by this season's aero regulations.

But the mystery shall be elucidated on March 12 when the RB16B takes to the track at Sakhir for the start of pre-season testing.

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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.