Since design superstar Adrian Newey joined Red Bull in 2006, the technical department has been largely focused on the development of the new RB3 machine. And, while the RB2 was penned by ex-Renault man Mark Smith and featured some inspiration from Renault, the latest offering it clearly very much created under the guidance of ex McLaren man Newey.
While the car is not an exact replica of a McLaren, it predictably features many, many references to recent McLaren designs, so much so that it is very difficult to compare the car to its predecessors down the Red Bull and Jaguar lineage. From its hooked nose to its twin keel, from its Renault engine to its efficiently cooled sidepods, the car is all new.
Newey has modelled the aerodynamics along contemporary themes, somewhat simplified in some areas although some complexity will no doubt be added as Ben Agathangelou's wind tunnel programme catches up from a late start back in June 2006.