Red Bull Racing is working on reducing the weight of the RB18. They are doing this by building new and lighter monocoque. The main aim is to get closer to the weight of the Ferrari F1-75. The Italian car seems to have a perfect target weight. However, it is still uncertain when the new monocoque will be introduced.

According to the usually well-informed Auto, Motor und Sport Red Bull is overweight by about seven kilograms. That is compared to the minimum weight of 798 kilograms. Earlier this season that was still at 795 kilograms. Teams argued for the increase because everyone except Alfa Romeo was well above the minimum weight. Red Bull and Mercedes would have liked to see a double digit increase, but the FIA did not respond.

Red Bull have been working hard throughout the season to get closer to the minimum weight. Christian Horner 's team reckons Ferrari are the closest to that minimum and hopes to gain two to three tenths in time once they have got the weight under control. A new and lighter monocoque should ensure this. Before the Austrian team can use the new monocoque it will have to undergo a crash test by the FIA. Therefore it is uncertain when the new monocoque will be introduced.

Investment

The changes will result in higher costs. About three new chassis' would have to be built that cost two million euro each. On top of that there is the budget ceiling that needs to be taken into account, but thanks to the deduction for inflation the investment is still possible. However, questions remain as to how Red Bull can manage this financially.

Furthermore, the FIA is not making it any easier for Red Bull to drop the RB18. From the Belgian Grand Prix onwards, the FIA technical staff will be checking the flexibility of the floors more strictly. This may have helped the Austrian racing team and Ferrari to make the car lighter. For some teams, the stiffer underside will probably mean extra weight.