The RB16 was developed under largely unchanged technical regulations for the 2020 season, building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the RB15. The 2020 season saw the planned introduction of new technical regulations delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An agreement between teams and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile extended the lifespan of 2020-specification cars into 2021, leading to the development of the RB16B, an updated chassis utilizing Honda’s upgraded RA621H power unit. The design team, led by Red Bull Racing, aimed to improve upon the strengths of the RB15 while addressing areas for performance gains.
The RB16 featured a narrower nose design with two additional inlets at the front, alongside a redesigned barge-board area and smaller side-pod inlets. It incorporated a large ‘cape’ element below the nose, a design element popularized by Mercedes in 2017. Modifications were also made to the rear suspension, raising parts of the system, and the rear wing was updated to feature two supporting pillars instead of one. The team focused on improving low-speed corner performance through a redesigned front multi-link suspension.
For the 2021 iteration, the RB16B utilized Red Bull’s development tokens to modify the shape of the gearbox casing. This alteration allowed for a rearrangement of the rear suspension, resulting in a significant increase in rear downforce. The RB16B was powered by the Honda RA621H power unit. This engine featured a more compact camshaft layout positioned lower within the engine, a different valve angle, and shorter cylinder bore spacing compared to the previous RA620H. These changes altered the combustion chamber and airflow characteristics, creating a smaller engine with a lower center of gravity. Honda claimed the RA621H was even smaller than the “size zero” design initially used with McLaren upon their return to the sport in 2015, while also delivering improved performance. Modifications were also made to the turbine, compressor, and cylinder block plating to enhance durability and power output.
The RB16 was initially slated to debut at the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, but the race’s cancellation, along with postponements of subsequent events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed its first competitive appearance until the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon drove for Red Bull Racing in 2020, with Albon later replaced by Sergio Pérez for the 2021 season, becoming the team’s test and reserve driver.
In 2020, Verstappen achieved several podium finishes, including a victory at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone). However, the car generally proved less competitive than the Mercedes F1 W11, with Mercedes ultimately securing both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Albon struggled to match Verstappen’s pace, scoring two podiums to Verstappen’s eleven wins. The team concluded the year strongly with a dominant victory for Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 2021 season saw Verstappen and Pérez consistently challenge for podiums and victories. Verstappen engaged in a fierce championship battle with Lewis Hamilton, ultimately winning the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following a controversial last-lap restart. Pérez secured one win and five podiums throughout the season. Despite Verstappen’s Drivers’ Championship win, Red Bull finished second in the Constructors’ Championship, 28 points behind Mercedes.
Across 39 races, the RB16 and RB16B achieved 13 victories, a success rate of 33.33%.
The pandemic prompted the delay of technical regulations that had been planned for introduction in 2021. Under an agreement between teams and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, 2020-specification cars—including the RB16—saw their lifespan extended to compete in 2021.
The RB16B became the first non-Mercedes car to win any championship since 2013, breaking Mercedes’ dominant streak. Honda’s success with the RA621H also marked the first championship win for a Japanese and Asian engine supplier in the turbo-hybrid era. The RB16B shared the distinction of being one of two championship-winning cars of the 2021 season, alongside the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12.
Gallery · 4 related images
