Red Bull axe special livery over weight concern

Red Bull has abandoned plans to run a special livery in this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, due to the design adding extra weight to the RB20. 

The Milton Keynes-based outfit had planned to use a special design in Singapore and in the upcoming races in the United States, although now only its traditional livery will be used. 

Earlier this year, fans were invited to design special liveries for Red Bull to run in the British, Singapore and American races. 

Red Bull did use a special livery for the British Grand Prix, but has opted against running a fan-inspired design again this season due to the close fight with McLaren and Ferrari. 

No risks can be taken by the Milton Keynes-based outfit in what is an intense fight for the constructors' championship. 

McLaren ended Red Bull's 847-day stint at the top of the standings last weekend in Azerbaijan, and now lead by 20 points. 

Following the decision to axe its special livery for this weekend and the US races, a Red Bull statement read: "Oracle Red Bull Racing would like to provide an important update regarding the REBL CUSTMS Livery Competitions for the 2024 Singapore GP & United States GP. 

"Over the past two years, this our fan led livery design competitions have showcased an impressive level of creativity and innovation, which has become a hallmark of our custom liveries. 

"During recent testing, we explored how some of the REBL CUSTMS designs would look on our RB20 F1 car. However, it was discovered that the specialised paint used for these full-car, total takeover, liveries added too much additional weight to the bodywork. 

"As weight directly impacts performance, the Team has made the difficult decision to not feature the REBL CUSTMS liveries on the RB20 for the upcoming Singapore and United States Grands Prix. Our primary focus remains on ensuring optimum performance on track for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season."

The special livery will still be run on Hamda Al Qubaisi's F1 Academy car this weekend.