The most noticeable changes for VCARB appeared before the season even began. In the official FIA team entry list, their name was changed from Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team. The adjustment was important because the team was often referred to as “RB,” an abbreviation also used for Red Bull Racing.
Perhaps an even bigger change happened behind the wheel, where rookie Isack Hadjar replaced Liam Lawson, who had initially been a stand-in for Daniel Ricciardo. Many were upset by the change, expecting Yuki Tsunoda to be the one to step up into the main team. Instead, he stays with the junior team for fifth year in row, causing a problem to the team’s junior programme plans.
The monocoque Hadjar will share with the Japanese driver also received a new look. Last year’s predominantly blue car has been replaced with a white-based livery, unveiled during the F1 75 Live event at London’s O2 Arena. Despite the fresh colour scheme, the connection to Red Bull remains clear, with a red bull on a yellow background prominently displayed on the car’s hoop.
Another major change may have gone unnoticed by fans. This year, the team moved some of its facilities from Faenza – where their headquarters remain – to Milton Keynes. As a motorsport geek, you might recognize Milton Keynes as the home of Red Bull Racing, which played a key role in this strategic relocation.
Racing Bulls are adopting a new approach this season. Although they insist they are not simply a Red Bull junior team, their 2025 car is largely built using parts from last year’s Red Bull, including the gearbox and suspension.
Staff members can now work across both locations, with team principal Laurent Mekies overseeing operations in both of them at the same time. Given that Italy has a smaller motorsport talent pool compared to the UK, the team may also hope to recruit more personnel from their new second base.
The most recent shake-up was announced just days ago. Technical Director Jody Egginton, who has been with the team for over a decade, is leaving to join Red Bull Racing. He has been offered the role of Engineering Director at Red Bull Advanced Technologies, starting from April 1st.
Tim Goss (Chief Technical Officer), Andrea Landi (Deputy Technical Director for Car Design), and Guillaume Cattelani (Deputy Technical Director for Car Performance) will now share the duty to oversee Egginton’s technical operations.