At the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, delighted fans by revealing his top three favorite Red Bull cars. As one of the most dominant drivers of his generation, Verstappen’s choices offer a unique insight into the evolution of Red Bull Racing and the machinery that has propelled him to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Topping Verstappen’s list is the Red Bull RB16B, the car that played a crucial role in his maiden World Championship victory in 2021. Designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, the RB16B was an evolution of its predecessor, the RB16. It featured significant aerodynamic improvements and a more powerful Honda engine, which gave Verstappen the edge over his rivals.
Verstappen praised the RB16B for its balance, downforce, and speed, which allowed him to compete fiercely against Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton throughout the season. The car’s performance at key races, including the dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi, cemented its place in Verstappen’s heart as a symbol of his first championship triumph.
The second car on Verstappen’s list is the Red Bull RB9, the machine that took Sebastian Vettel to his fourth consecutive World Championship in 2013. Although Verstappen was not driving for Red Bull at the time, he acknowledges the RB9’s significance in the team’s history.
The RB9 was a masterpiece of engineering, boasting a Renault engine and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. Its dominance in the 2013 season, where Vettel won 13 out of 19 races, showcased the car’s superiority. Verstappen admires the RB9 for its innovation and the foundation it laid for Red Bull’s future success.
Rounding out Verstappen’s top three is the Red Bull RB18, the car that carried him to his second World Championship in 2022. Building on the success of the RB16B, the RB18 featured further advancements in aerodynamics and power unit performance. It was designed to meet the new technical regulations introduced for the 2022 season, which aimed to promote closer racing and increased overtaking opportunities.
Verstappen highlighted the RB18’s adaptability and reliability, which enabled him to maintain consistent performance throughout the season. The car’s ability to handle various track conditions and its competitive edge against other teams made it a standout choice for Verstappen.
Max Verstappen’s top three favorite Red Bull cars reflect the technological advancements and engineering excellence that have defined Red Bull Racing’s success in Formula 1. From the RB16B that marked his first championship victory to the RB9 that dominated an era and the RB18 that continued his winning streak, these cars represent the pinnacle of performance and innovation.
As Verstappen continues to build his legacy in Formula 1, fans can look forward to seeing more incredible machines from Red Bull Racing, each pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. The Goodwood Festival of Speed provided the perfect backdrop for Verstappen to celebrate these iconic cars and share his passion for racing with fans around the world.