Horner expecting rapid "evolution" of RB18 as Red Bull bring challenger to life

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expects the new RB18 challenger to evolve at a vast pace throughout the first season of F1's new regulations after "coming to life" at the team's launch.

After Haas kicked off the launch season last week with digital renders of its VF-22 car, Red Bull became the first to launch a bonafide machine with a virtual launch from its Milton Keynes base.

F1 has wiped the developmental slate clean with its new regulations with an overhaul of aerodynamics in an attempt to improve the racing spectacle and bunch the field up, having seen Mercedes largely dominate since the 2014 introduction of turbo-hybrid power units.

“With the new regulation changes this year, the whole philosophy has altered, which means every single component is different to last year’s car," explained Horner.

"It’s a clean sheet of paper for every single team. By the time we get to the first race, the RB18 won’t look much like it looks today, the evolution will be very quick as we progress through the season.

"It is a steep learning curve for everyone and it is a contest in development between the first and the last race.

Referring to his thoughts on the car after the reveal, Horner added: "We believe we have a good car for 2022, the RB18 is coming to life and seeing it is fantastic.

"It has been a huge effort from the team and I am looking forward to seeing it out on the track now.

"We plan to build on 2021, we have number one on the car this year and now the challenge is it keep it and defend that title with Max.

"The excitement and hard work of 2021 really galvanised the team and it means we go into 2022 in great shape for the season ahead.”

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