Red Bull Racing working on new Imola updates: 'Destiny in our own hands'

During the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, predictions that the RB16B could be in contention for the world title in 2021 proved to be correct. Still, Red Bull are not sitting still, because with one pole and one podium they are far from being there, as Paul Monaghan knows.

Red Bull continues to develop

Red Bull Racing has been trailing Mercedes since 2014 and has never really been able to attack Mercedes since the hybrid era. In 2021 that seems to be the case, as Max Verstappen was the fastest in Bahrain in his RB16B. Red Bull is now doing everything it can to make that happen in the coming races too.

''Some developments are already in the pipeline for Imola, and more will come in the following races. So now it's a two-pronged battle. We are going to add as much performance as possible to the car for Imola. We have our destiny in our own hands and we have no influence on what Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and all the other teams want to do. So we have to stay focused,'' Monaghan told Motorsport.com.

Formula 1 2021 a long season

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is the next Grand Prix to come, but the season has 23 races, and so Red Bull must also spread the focus. Monaghan says they have identified the key areas they need to improve on and will be working hard to stay competitive for a full year.

''It's not all about Imola. If we win there we can't say, 'Ah, now we're world champions'. That's not going to happen. It will be a long battle in a long season. The battle will not be won or lost in Bahrain. We are all disappointed but we have a fast car, we have great drivers, a good team and everyone is aware that we will be the challenger all season'', concludes Red Bull's chief engineer.