F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Newey to remain on course with Red Bull 2023 design

Adrian Newey, Red Bull's chief technical officer, says his design department will continue in 2023 to put its trust in the concept that massively rewarded the team this season.

Red Bull clinched both the Drivers' and the Constructors' championship in 2022, thanks to the technical excellence of its new-generation RB18 that delivered 17 wins to its drivers, 15 of which were enjoyed by Verstappen.

A new season will inevitably spawn new ideas, and while Red Bull will certainly roll out its fair share of innovations when its RB19 hits the track next year, the car's basic design will not reflect a radical departure from this year's winning contender.

©RedBull

"We will continue to develop our concept because we know it best," Newey told Auto Motor Und Sport.

"But I don't dare say whether our way is the best way. It's quite possible that someone else will turn the corner with a better idea."

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Newey was no fan of F1's new regulations when they were first unveiled, as he viewed the rules as too prescriptive.

But when teams unveiled their designs last winter, the array of ideas that was presented was more diverse than expected, meaning there was no prevailing design approach, and that a break-through concept or 'blown diffuser' moment could be hiding under someone's bodywork.

And that still holds true for 2023.

"It means that none of us is absolutely right and there must be something better," commented Newey.

"You can never isolate things like wings or the sidepods. Everything only works as a package.

"A Ferrari side box will not fit our underbody and vice versa. There's always an interaction between these elements.

"We all don't know yet where we'll end up bumping up against as we develop our own concepts," added Red Bull's design guru.

"Maybe another one has much greater development potential that's still trailing today.

"Think about the double diffuser. That loophole in the transition from the floor to the step was always there. It just hadn't been discovered by anyone."

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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.

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