Verstappen takes RB16 out for a spin for first time at Silverstone
Wednesday 12 February 2020 15:29, UK
Red Bull have revealed the car they hope will end Mercedes' F1 dominance as they target the 2020 title.
The RB16 was launched on social media, but Red Bull became the first team to hit the track in their new-for-2020 car later on Wednesday as Max Verstappen was let loose at Silverstone.
"It's straight back to business in our iconic matte livery as the Bulls pick up where they left off and prepare to charge into the 2020 Formula 1 season," said the team.
Red Bull haven't won a title since 2013 but there is renewed optimism for the new season, their second with Honda - who made significant improvements towards the end of last year with their engine.
The team are therefore expecting an intense three-way battle with Mercedes and Ferrari for the championship.
Red Bull, who have consistently delivered a strong chassis, also have a star driver in Verstappen, who will be partnered by Alex Albon in 2020.
Verstappen, still just 22, enjoyed the best F1 season of his sparkling career in 2019, finishing third in the championship and winning more races than ever before.
The Dutchman, who is arguably now F1's premier act alongside six-time champion Lewis Hamilton, believes he is now ready for a first sustained title challenge and will hope the RB16 gives him that chance.
"We want to fight for the title," Verstappen, who recently committed to Red Bull until 2023, told Sky Sports F1 earlier this month.
"I hope this year onwards we are fighting for a podium at least, and the worst-case scenario is third.
"We are doing everything we can to try and step up."
Mercedes have won every F1 title since Red Bull's last, but the team are confident they can be the Silver Arrows' main rivals this season.
Red Bull also finished behind Ferrari in 2019, but much of their season was focused on getting the most out of their new Honda engine and they finished as a much more consistent force.
Formula 1's new 2020 cars will be put through their paces for the first time in Barcelona later this month - and Sky Sports F1 will be there too with live coverage of all six days of winter testing.
Building on the successful collaboration between Sky Sports and Formula 1 in 2019, live coverage will be expanded to cover both weeks of testing for the first time and will feature all eight hours of track running each day at the Circuit de Catalunya.
The day's action will be followed by the essential review show - The Story So Far - featuring interviews, guests, and analysis from the Sky F1 team as we build up to what promises to be a thrilling F1 2020.
Test One takes place from Wednesday February 19-Friday February 21, with Test Two following on a week later on February 26-28.
The sessions run from 8am to 12pm and then 1pm to 5pm UK time. The Story So Far will air for an hour from 5pm.
