Development of the RB10 was hampered by significant issues in the early stages. The team completed less than 100 kilometres during the first test at the Circuito de Jerez, the shortest distance of any team present. Problems stemmed from difficulties integrating the Renault Energy F1-2014 power unit, initially with the physical unit preventing components from working together, and later with the turbo unit’s governing software. Red Bull also encountered unique challenges due to the RB10’s tightly packaged chassis, causing excessively high temperatures that led to component failures.
These difficulties persisted at the Bahrain International Circuit, where the team was forced to run without the Energy Recovery System (ERS) on Renault’s advice, resulting in a power deficit of up to 150 horsepower (112 kW). Despite some running, the team completed very few laps, and the fastest times set by Vettel and Ricciardo were outside the 107% qualifying threshold, meaning neither driver would have qualified for the race had the test been a qualifying session. The final pre-season test in Bahrain yielded little improvement; Ricciardo recorded the car’s fastest lap time, but it was still 2.5 seconds slower than the fastest lap set by Felipe Massa. Vettel experienced a breakdown before completing a single lap, and team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the team was unsure when the car’s problems would be resolved.
The RB10 was designed around the new regulations for the 2014 season, which mandated the use of 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engines. The car’s development was particularly challenging due to the complexities of integrating this new power unit into a compact chassis. The tight packaging contributed to overheating issues early in the development process. The car was launched on 28 January 2014 at the Circuito de Jerez, and was nicknamed "Suzie" by Sebastian Vettel.
The start of the 2014 season was difficult for Red Bull. Vettel retired from the Australian Grand Prix early due to MGU-K problems, and Ricciardo’s first podium finish was initially awarded but later stripped due to the use of an illegal fuel flow rate. Red Bull opted to use its own fuel flow system, claiming the mandated FIA unit was faulty, despite warnings from officials.
Vettel secured third place in Malaysia, while Ricciardo retired due to front wing damage and a botched pit stop. Both drivers scored points at the Bahrain and Chinese Grands Prix, finishing fourth and sixth, and fifth respectively. The RB10’s performance improved at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Ricciardo finished third and Vettel fourth, ending Mercedes’ streak of fastest laps. Ricciardo followed up with another third-place finish in Monaco, challenging Lewis Hamilton for second position. However, Vettel retired from the race due to power unit issues.
The RB10 achieved its first win of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, with Ricciardo taking his maiden Formula One victory. Vettel also secured a podium finish in third place. At the Austrian Grand Prix, Ricciardo finished eighth, and Vettel retired due to a power unit glitch and subsequent front wing damage. The team rebounded in Britain, with Ricciardo and Vettel finishing third and fifth.
Ricciardo continued the RB10’s success with wins at the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix. The team ultimately finished second in the Constructors' Championship, with Ricciardo finishing third in the Drivers' Championship, ahead of Vettel, who finished fifth and failed to win a race or secure a pole position.
At the final race in Abu Dhabi, both Red Bull cars were excluded from qualifying due to excessive front wing flex. They started at the back of the grid but recovered to finish fourth (Ricciardo) and eighth (Vettel).
The fuel flow issue that plagued Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix led to scrutiny from the FIA. Despite warnings, Red Bull continued to use its own fuel flow system, claiming the mandated FIA unit was faulty. [unverified]
At the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, the Red Bull cars were excluded from qualifying for having a front wing which was over the wing flex limits.
As of September 2021, the RB10 driven by Daniel Ricciardo during the 2014 season was on display at The Motor Museum of Western Australia.
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