The much-awaited Hungarian Grand Prix is around the corner and the leading championship contender Red Bull Racing has been the talk of the town amidst recent speculations. According to numerous reports, the Milton-Keynes outfit had been developing a new version of Sidepod, almost similar to the likes of Aston Martin and other new-born title challengers.
Aston Martin introduced the game-changing ‘waterslide’ sidepod concept earlier this season which saw the historical British outfit embrace a massive performance boost. Subsequently, McLaren followed a similar philosophy over the British Grand Prix, and yet again, the results were immaculate.
⚠️ | #AMuS Hungary Sidepod Upgrades
Red Bull’s new sidepods are reported to follow the Aston Martin/Mclaren design style, with deeper grooves running through the top of the RB19 fairing parts. pic.twitter.com/SiPO1lFoTL
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) July 19, 2023
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri accomplished one of the most successful McLaren weekends since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. Hence, amidst such promising results from the overly hyped sidepod concept, there were rumors that aero mastermind Adrian Newey was keen on imprinting the ‘waterslide’ sidepods onto the unstoppable Red Bull machine along with other upgrades in Budapest.
However, in a shocking late-twist, Red Bull is seemingly sporting a unique sidepod concept, barely resembling Aston Martin’s. And of course, reactions have already begun engulfing social media, with the majority of the fans reckoning it could well be the return of Mercedes’ failed ‘zero-pod’ design.
F1 fans react to mysterious Red Bull sidepod upgrade ahead of Hungarian GP
With Red Bull’s mysterious sidepods for the race weekend at Hungaroring, several fans shared their distinct opinions on Twitter. One fan wrote, “Totally no sidepods incoming.” Another fan reckoned it was a mere ploy to take a jab at arch-rivals, Mercedes.
“If Newey makes 0 sidepods work just to take the piss out of Mercedes it would be the most bad*ss thing I think I’ve ever seen,” the fan wrote. Take a look at more such hilarious reactions from the Formula 1 fandom.
totally no sidepods incoming
— Sam Sanchez (@samsanchezlopez) July 19, 2023
If newey makes 0 sidepods work just to take the piss out of Mercedes it would be the most badass thing I think I’ve ever seen
— Luki (@Luki_gs) July 19, 2023
Oh how much I’d love for Red Bull to turn up with zero-sidepod design and either show that it is indeed possible to make it work (proving the prowess of Adrian Newey once again), or find out that it isn’t and inadvertently turn the championship upside down. #F1 #HungarianGP https://t.co/xyOrrkUAfJ
— Simon Dau (@there_is_no_if) July 19, 2023
Can you IMAGINE if Red Bull came to Hungary with a zero sidepod design?
It would be the biggest kick in the teeth moment to Mercedes ever because if it’s coming from Newey, you know it would work. https://t.co/tFn1e0phRq
— HADZ (@hadztv) July 19, 2023
I stg if Red Bull brings the no sidepod concept to Hungary and Newey has somehow made it work, I’m throwing myself off the Itchen bridge
— M 🎅🏼🏴 (@Beaumxntt) July 19, 2023
The 2022 F1 season witnessed Mercedes flaunting a breathtaking ‘zero-pod’ design which induced substantial hype over their performance. However, it wasn’t long before the Silver Arrows realized they were nowhere near the leading title contenders.
Of course, the long-dreamt race victory finally arrived at the Brazilian Grand Prix through George Russell, but, the championship hopes had already diminished by then and the victory seemed like a mere consolation for the defending champions.
Hence, amidst such negativity revolving around the zero sidepod concept, could Red Bull’s greatest asset, Adrian Newey, prove Mercedes wrong by developing a successful version of it? Only time will tell.