Red Bull will not be running a fan-inspired livery at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix due to concerns about the extra weight it would add to their car.
The reigning Constructors’ Champions had invited fans to design bespoke liveries to be used in select races this year, the first of which was showcased at the British Grand Prix in July.
However, Red Bull have now ditched plans to run the custom livery planned Singapore after it was found that it would add 1kg to the team’s RB20 car during the concept phase of creating it.
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Damon Hill believes Red Bull could now be the third favourites for the Constructors’ Championship because of their declining performance compared to Ferrari and McLaren
While it was calculated that would only translate to a performance deficit of an extra 0.03 seconds per lap around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the team opted against risking any drop-off in performance.
The decision comes amid the Milton Keynes-based outfit having seen the performance advantage they held over their rivals whittled away since the last of Max Verstappen’s seven victories so far in 2024 at the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
Reigning world champion Verstappen has seen his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship over McLaren’s Lando Norris cut to 59 points, with the British driver’s team now 20 points clear of Red Bull at the top of the Constructors’ Championship as well.
Added to that is the fact last year’s Singapore Grand Prix proved to be Red Bull’s worst of the year, where Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez could only manage to finish fifth and eighth respectively after both failed to make the top 10 in qualifying.
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Craig Slater explains how McLaren caught up with Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship and the potential reasons why the world champions have struggled for their usual form
Red Bull’s sister team RB will, however, be running a special livery in Singapore after unveiling a denim-inspired look that has been designed by their apparel partner HUGO, featuring zips along the sidepod and a denim look across the front of the VCARB 01.
Mercedes will also be displaying a new look for the race to celebrate the 50th anniversary of title sponsor Petronas, with the company’s emerald colour replacing the team’s traditional silver on the nose and sidepods.
Sky Sports F1’s live Singapore GP schedule
Thursday September 19
12pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday September 20
8.15am: F1 Academy Practice
10am: Singapore GP Practice One (session starts 10.30am)
11.55am: F1 Academy Qualifying
1.45pm: Singapore GP Practice Two (session starts 2pm)
3.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday September 21
8am: F1 Academy Race One
10.15am: Singapore GP Practice Three (session starts 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: SINGAPORE GP QUALIFYING*
4pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday September 22
8.30am: F1 Academy Race Two
11:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: The SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP reaction
4pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s thrilling 2024 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with more stunning street circuit action, this time under the lights at the Singapore Grand Prix. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime