Red Bull special advisor Helmut Marko says the team will arrive at the Spanish Grand Prix with an update package aimed at reducing the weight of the RB18. With Max Verstappen having won the previous two races, attention has focused on Ferrari's planned updates for Barcelona, as they look to consolidate their lead in both championships. But Marko says that Red Bull will bring updates of their own for the 2022 season's sixth round, though he added that these would chiefly focus on bringing the RB18 down to the 2022 weight limit.
Red Bull RB18 set to hit its "optimal weight"
"In Spain, we are starting the race weekend with new parts," Marko told German publication F1-Insider . "With this we can finally reach our optimal weight. Until now, we were relatively far above the minimum weight of 798kg." With new technical regulations having drastically changed the cars for the 2022 season, the weight limit has been increased this year to 798kg excluding fuel, making the cars 46kg heavier than their predecessors. Bigger wheels and an array of new safety features have come into play as part of F1's regulation overhaul, and teams have struggled to get their cars down to the weight limit, with several even resorting to removing paint.
Red Bull trusting the FIA over F1's budget cap
While Red Bull seem to have seized the initiative over the past couple of races, Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto said he was convinced the drinks-backed squad have spent a larger portion of their $140m budget cap total for 2022 to deliver that increase in performance, leaving Ferrari in a prime position to fight back. For his part, Marko agreed that further development of the car would be the deciding factor, but added that he was confident that the FIA would ensure that all rules, including financial ones, are properly adhered to. "We are on an equal footing with Ferrari," said Marko. "The difference in the future will be made by getting the most out of our package on the track. "We continue to look forward to the fierce battle with Ferrari and have full confidence that the FIA will take care of it."
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