Max Verstappen was coy when asked about Red Bull’s Japanese Grand Prix updates, amidst reports that Suzuka could see the team introduce sidepods that are reminiscent of the infamous zero-pods previously used by Mercedes.
Surprising many in the paddock when the reigning World Champions opted not to continue with their RB19 concept but rather moved towards a more Mercedes-esque design with this year’s RB20, it was claimed back in February that this was just the start of the switchover.
To zero-pod or not to zero-pod, that is the Suzuka question
Adopting the engine cover used but dropped by Mercedes in the first two years of the ground-effect aerodynamic era, F1 fans and pundits were even more surprised as Red Bull’s 2024 challenger, the RB20, sported sidepods that bore a bit of a resemblance to Mercedes’ failed zero-pod concept.
But more surprisingly still, almost immediately after the launch of the RB20, it was claimed that Red Bull are poised to go even further in replicating the zero-pod, heading more towards Mercedes’ dropped concept than the initial RB20’s design.
Japan was touted as the first race for Red Bull’s all-in zero-pod concept.
‘As F1 moves to Japan in early April,’ claimed Autosport, ‘where temperatures will drop and cooling will be less marginal, the RB20 will be upgraded to a design reminiscent of the Mercedes size-zero sidepod.’
But don’t ask Verstappen if you want confirmation or details about the upgrades.
“Well, I mean the colour will be the same,” he said, before adding: “You will see.”
Having won the first two Grands Prix of the season from pole position, Verstappen was on pole again in Australia only for a brake fire to put him out of the Grand Prix.
The Dutchman, four points to the good in the Drivers’ Championship, is hoping to rebound in Japan at a circuit he loves to race.
“So far good but of course everyone has a bit of different characteristics in their cars as well, you know, so it’s not a given that we will be really, really competitive like last year,” he said.
“But I’m excited, it’s a track that I really enjoy.
“I know that I’m confident with the car, I feel good. Especially I think we shouldn’t have been on pole [in Melbourne] but the laps that we did were really good.
“So I just want to have a good weekend again and feel good with the car.”
