Vettel was on pole again for the next race, narrowly beating team-mate Mark Webber. During the race, however, a plug failed and the young German was forced to yield certain victory to Fernando Alonso. This had to be carefully placed to limit the effects of fuel load changes on the car's balance.Īt the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix, the RB6 immediately made its mark by clinching pole with Sebastian Vettel behind the wheel. The biggest rule change was the ban on re-fueling during the race, so a significantly larger fuel tank was required. This unconventional layout results in a lower centre of gravity and a better airflow out of the back of the car. Another distinguishing feature of the RB5, the pull-rod rear suspension, also returned on the RB6. These serve to control the airflow over the nose and were copied by almost every other team. Visually it was clearly a development of the outgoing RB5 with its 'bumps' on the edges of the nose becoming even taller on the new car. The result of the engineer's labours over the winter was the RB6, which once again featured Renault's V8 engine in the back. Anticipation was raised ever further by the team's decision to sit out the first of three pre-season test and instead spend more time in the wind-tunnel. With no significant changes to the rules, many believed and feared that Red Bull would be the team to beat in 2010.
The year ended on a high with Red Bull winning the final three races and securing the runner's up position in both the constructor's and driver's championship. Halfway through the season, the Renault engined machine was fitted with a new diffuser and it quickly became the car to beat. Six victories were scored in 2009 and much more was expected for 2010.Īlthough the 2009 was Red Bull's breakthrough year, the team started it on the back foot because Newey's RB5 did not feature the controversial 'double diffuser', so successfully employed by Brawn GP. Having already designed championship winning cars for Williams and McLaren, he helped to gradually lift the young team from back of the grid to the very front. This was once again underlined by the arrival of Adrian Newey at Red Bull Racing in the spring of 2006.
Although operating more the in the background, the chief designer, arguably, is even more important. The two drivers are the most visible of these key players.
Formula 1 is very much a team sport but there are always individuals inside the team that really make the difference.
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