Racing Bulls VCARB 02[]
The VCARB 02 is a Formula One car designed and built by the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team (often abbreviated “Racing Bulls” or “RB”) for use in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. It succeeds the RB VCARB 01 from 2024 and represents an evolution of design, livery, and technical specification consistent with both regulatory changes and closer alignment with its sister team, Red Bull Racing.
Background and Development[]
The Racing Bulls rebranded from their former identity in late 2023 (previously AlphaTauri, Toro Rosso before that), with the team aiming to improve its competitiveness, technical operations, and identity. Under this renewed structure, VCARB 02 was developed to build upon lessons from VCARB 01, with enhancements in aerodynamics, sidepod design, bodywork, and cooling systems.
Notable in its development is the decision that VCARB 02 will be the last Racing Bulls car to use the Honda RBPT‑badged engines. From the 2026 season onward, the Racing Bulls and Red Bull Racing will begin using engines under the Red Bull Powertrains banner with technical collaboration from Ford.
Design-wise, the car introduces revised sidepods and a more box‑shaped airbox compared to its predecessor, adjusted ground effect features, and other bodywork changes to better manage airflow, cooling, and aerodynamic efficiency. While many mechanical components remain shared or very similar (such as some suspension elements, gearbox components from Red Bull Technologies), the aerodynamic surfaces and details are unique to VCARB 02.
Technical Specifications[]
Chassis and Structure:
The car is constructed around a carbon‑fibre composite monocoque with the standard safety cockpit protection device (“Halo”) as mandated in Formula One. Both front and rear suspensions use designs supplied by Red Bull Technologies, with characteristic carbon components (wishbones, uprights, dampers) suited to the team’s orientation and setup preferences.
Power Unit:
VCARB 02 is powered by the Honda RBPTH003 engine (1.6‑litre V6 turbocharged, direct injection), including associated hybrid systems. This is the last season for Racing Bulls using the Honda RBPT badge.
Transmission & Drivetrain:
The car uses an 8‑speed gearbox (plus reverse) longitudinally mounted, hydraulic actuation, with a hydraulically‑activated multi‑plate carbon clutch. The differential is a multi‑plate hydraulic unit.
Weight & Tyres:
The minimum weight of the car, including the driver but excluding fuel, is around 798 kg. Pirelli remains the tyre supplier, with standard dry and wet compounds.
Other Systems:
Brake ducts, fuel systems, driver’s seat, steering are either manufactured by the Racing Bulls team or Red Bull Technologies. Aerodynamics, cooling, and energy recovery systems follow the current hybrid regulations.
Livery and Name[]
For the 2025 season, Racing Bulls introduced a drastically revised livery. The car’s bodywork is largely painted solid white, with smaller blue charging bull graphics positioned towards the rear. The design drew positive attention from fans, many of whom found it reminiscent of past “White Bull” liveries (notably the Red Bull RB16B from 2021).
Throughout the season special liveries appeared, such as a “Summer Edition” livery in Miami inspired by a peach flavour motif, and a graffiti‑style design used for the British Grand Prix.
The team’s name also underwent a subtle adjustment. The abbreviation “RB” remains tied to “Racing Bulls,” dropping some of the former full names that caused confusion, to better distinguish the team from Red Bull Racing, its sister team.
Competition History (so far in 2025)[]
VCARB 02 made its competitive debut in the 2025 season, showing signs of progression compared to previous years. Notably, French rookie Isack Hadjar achieved his first podium for the team at the Dutch Grand Prix, which marked the team’s first podium since the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (when the team was known under earlier names).
The season has been characterized by a mix of strong qualifying sessions and improved race pace, though top results remain rare and podiums are not yet frequent. As of the Dutch GP, the team has scored at least one podium and accrued a moderate tally of points, placing it in a better position than in recent years.
Significance and Outlook[]
VCARB 02 is significant for several reasons. It represents Racing Bulls’ attempt to close the performance gap to the front of the field under the current set of technical regulations before a major change in 2026. As the last car under the Honda RBPT engine partnership, it also symbolizes the end of an era; from 2026 the team will move towards Red Bull Powertrains engines, in partnership with Ford.
The car’s development, especially in aerodynamics and shared components, underscores how closely Racing Bulls are now aligned with Red Bull Racing. However, the team still must balance regulatory constraints (especially around unique aero parts, budget caps, and homologation) with the desire to raise performance. Fans and analysts will also be watching how well the livery and branding choices further the team’s independent identity.