Verstappen debuts Red Bull RB16 in Silverstone shakedown

Max Verstappen has driven Red Bull’s 2020 Formula 1 car for the first time in a shakedown event at Silverstone. 

A matter of hours after Red Bull became the third team to offer a first glimpse of its RB16 challenger in a digital reveal on Wednesday morning, Verstappen got behind the wheel of the team’s latest car for its on-track debut. 

The Dutchman turned in his first laps in the RB16 around the home of the British Grand Prix, adhering to the mileage permitted during shakedown events, which are used as an initial systems check for new cars and for filming purposes. 

Unlike in previous year’s, Red Bull’s launch car does not feature a ‘camo’ livery and was presented in its traditional colours. 

The RB16 retains prominent Aston Martin branding in what will be the British luxury manufacturer’s final year as Red Bull’s title sponsor before its 2021 works collaboration begins with Racing Point. 

Verstappen’s 2020 teammate, Alexander Albon, will make his debut behind the wheel of the RB16 during pre-season testing at Barcelona. 

The opening three-day pre-season test begins at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 19-21, before the second winter test takes place at the Spanish Grand Prix venue between February 26-28. 

Renault will become the fourth team to show off images of its 2020 F1 car at its launch event in Paris later on Wednesday afternoon.

The 2020 season starts right here @Max33Verstappen suited, booted and ready for his first laps in the RB16 pic.twitter.com/ugnhVAzozj

— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 12, 2020