FIRST LOOK: Red Bull’s RB16B breaks cover in Bahrain F1 test

Red Bull’s new RB16B Formula 1 car has been seen on track for the first time during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Despite launching its car at the end of February, Red Bull only released two studio shots of its latest challenger for the 2021 season, deciding to withhold images and footage from its filming day shakedown at Silverstone.

But the RB16B made its public track debut for the first time on the opening day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday morning.

Max Verstappen is driving Red Bull’s updated challenger on Friday before new teammate Sergio Perez takes over behind the wheel of the RB16B on Saturday.

The Dutchman currently sits third in the timesheets after the first two hours of pre-season testing, having clocked a 1m32.565s and completed over 30 laps so far.

Red Bull is hoping its RB16B - which features a brand new Honda power unit - can help Verstappen and Perez mount a sustained championship challenge to Mercedes this year. 

It has been a disrupted start to testing for reigning world champions Mercedes, with Valtteri Bottas stuck in the garage after the team discovered a gearshift issue after just a single installation lap.

The German manufacturer has lost over an hour of running while it conducts a gearbox change.

Haas has also been forced to change the gearbox in Mick Schumacher’s VF-21 after detecting a hydraulic issue which has kept the German sidelined for nearly an hour.

Click here for LIVE updates from the opening day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.