Aston Martin Red Bull reveals RB14 F1 car

The new-look Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team has pulled off the covers on its 2018 Formula 1 car, the RB14, one week before the start of pre-season testing.

Last year Red Bull confirmed a new title sponsor partnership with British brand Aston Martin, hinting at a potential engine tie-up in the future, and have revealed the first look at its 2018 F1 challenger.

The Milton Keynes-based squad retains an unchanged driver line-up of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen for the upcoming season as it aims to produce a sustained F1 world title charge having claimed a total of three race wins and 13 podiums last season on its way to third place in the world constructors' championship.

The Renault-powered Red Bull includes the mandatory Halo cockpit protection device while revealing its 2018 car with a special edition livery of black, dark blue and white. Red Bull has confirmed the special livery will temporarily be used until its race-ready livery is unveiled at the first test next week.

Daniel Ricciardo is set to undertake a shakedown test plus filming laps with the RB14 at Silverstone before heading to Spain to commence official pre-season testing.

With a week until testing begins, Red Bull has outlined is reasons for its relatively early launch date in order to iron out any initial running issue rather than hit them during the pre-season tests in Spain.

“It's preferable to finish the car early and deal with any snags now, when the car is on a track a short drive from the factory, rather than using up one of our eight ultra-precious test days doing the same at the Circuit de Catalunya,” a team statement confirmed.

“We'll be filming at Silverstone and the footage will give fans an early-season fix across our channels before testing proper begins next week.”

Aston Martin Red Bull becomes the third F1 team to show off its new F1 car after Haas and Williams last week. The former F1 world champions will now have a week for final preparations before the start of the first pre-season test at Circuit de Catalunya which begins on February 26.