Red Bull Racing has announced it will forgo a fan-inspired livery at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix due to weight concerns affecting their car’s performance. The team, which is the reigning Constructors’ Champion, had previously invited fans to design unique liveries for select races this season, with the first design debuting at the British Grand Prix in July.
However, the planned livery for Singapore has been scrapped after it was determined that it would add an extra 1kg to the RB20 car, a factor deemed unacceptable by the team. Although this weight increase would only result in a marginal performance impact of approximately 0.03 seconds per lap around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Red Bull prioritized maintaining their competitive edge.
This decision comes in light of a noticeable decline in Red Bull’s performance since their last win, recorded by Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix in June. Verstappen’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship has shrunk to 59 points over McLaren’s Lando Norris, while McLaren has now opened up a 20-point advantage in the Constructors’ Championship over Red Bull.
Additionally, Red Bull faced a challenging experience at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez finished fifth and eighth, respectively, failing to make the top 10 in qualifying.
In contrast, Red Bull’s sister team will introduce a special livery in Singapore, showcasing a denim-inspired design created in collaboration with their apparel partner, featuring unique zips along the sidepod. Meanwhile, Mercedes will also unveil a new look to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their title sponsor, with a vibrant emerald color replacing the traditional silver on their car’s nose and sidepods.
As the thrilling 2024 Formula 1 season continues, fans eagerly anticipate what the Singapore Grand Prix will bring under the iconic night lights.
