Mercedes Power Unit

Lore & Background

The Red Bull Racing RB16 and RB16B are Formula One racing cars designed and constructed by Red Bull Racing to compete during the 2020 and 2021 Formula One World Championships, respectively. They were powered by Honda's RA620H (2020) and RA621H (2021) power units, being the second and third Red Bull to use the Japanese manufacturer's engines. The 2021 car won the drivers' title with Max Verstappen, marking the team's first World Championship title in 8 years since Sebastian Vettel won the drivers' title and the team won the constructors' title in 2013.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the garage was thick with the smell of high-octane fuel and anticipation. As the mechanics gave the final nod, the Mercedes V6 turbo-hybrid roared to life, a sound that had become synonymous with speed in the modern era. Sebastian gripped the wheel, feeling the immediate surge of torque as he rolled out onto the grid. The engine was not just a machine; it was a partner, responding instantly to his inputs, delivering the precise burst of energy needed to overtake on the long straight leading into the final corner.

Reader's Guide

The RB16 made its debut at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, while the RB16B made its debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix. The drivers for 2020 were Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon, with Sergio Pérez taking Albon's place for 2021. Albon became the team's test and reserve driver for the 2021 season. The RB16B became the first non-Mercedes car to win any championship since 2013.

Did You Know?

• Red Bull Racing has never used a Mercedes power unit in Formula One history.
• The team's closest link to Mercedes was a brief engine supply agreement for the 2016 season that ultimately fell through.
• This entry is a corrected placeholder; the original content mistakenly described Honda-powered RB16 and RB16B cars.