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Red Bull RB7
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.jpg) Sebastian Vettel driving the RB7 at the Italian Grand Prix | |||||||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Red Bull | ||||||||||
| Designers |
| ||||||||||
| Predecessor | Red Bull RB6 | ||||||||||
| Successor | Red Bull RB8 | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications[1] | |||||||||||
| Chassis | carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite monocoque, designed and built in-house, carrying engine as fully stressed member | ||||||||||
| Suspension (front) | Aluminium alloy uprights, carbon-composite double wishbones with springs and anti-roll bar, push rod-actuated Multimatic dampers | ||||||||||
| Suspension (rear) | as front, except pull rod-actuated rear dampers | ||||||||||
| Engine | Renault RS27-2011 2,400 cc (146.5 cu in) 90° V8, limited to 18,000 RPM with KERS naturally aspirated mid-mounted | ||||||||||
| Transmission | Seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox with reverse gear Hydraulic system for power shift and clutch operation | ||||||||||
| Power | >750 hp @ 18,000 rpm[2] | ||||||||||
| Weight | 640 kg (1,411 lb) (including driver) | ||||||||||
| Fuel | Total | ||||||||||
| Tyres | Pirelli P Zero OZ Wheels (front and rear): 13" | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable drivers | 1.  Sebastian Vettel 2.  Mark Webber | ||||||||||
| Debut | 2011 Australian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| First win | 2011 Australian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| Last win | 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| Last event | 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| Constructors' Championships | 1 (2011) | ||||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 1 (2011, Sebastian Vettel) | ||||||||||
The Red Bull RB7 is a Formula One racing car designed by the Red Bull Racing team for the 2011 Formula One season. It was driven by defending champion Sebastian Vettel and Australian driver Mark Webber for the third year running. The highly competitive and reliable RB7 took 12 victories and 27 podiums as Red Bull took the Constructors' Championship and Vettel taking the Drivers' Championship title that year.
Season summary
[edit]The car was launched at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain on 1 February 2011.[3] Sebastian Vettel was the first driver to test the car.[4]
The car was fastest throughout Barcelona testing with Vettel at the wheel. It won the first race of the season at Melbourne with Vettel, whilst Webber finished fifth. In the nineteen races of the 2011 season, the RB7 only failed to finish in the top five twice, when Mark Webber crashed out of the Italian Grand Prix and when Sebastian Vettel retired from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
.jpg)
Vettel used the RB7 to claim the 2011 World Drivers' Championship in Japan and Red Bull won the World Constructors' Championship the following weekend in South Korea. The car achieved three 1-2 finishes during the season. It is one of the most dominant Formula One cars ever built, winning 12 of the 19 races and claiming all but one pole position in the 2011 season, in part due to the innovative but controversial exhaust-blown diffuser.
Sebastian Vettel, who (since joining Scuderia Toro Rosso) makes a habit of naming his cars, named his RB7 chassis Kinky Kylie.[5]
The RB7 was the first Red Bull car to assume Renault full-works team partnership status[6] after the Renault F1 Team was rebranded to Lotus Renault GP and later Lotus F1 Team following Renault's sale of their 25 percent stake in the team to Lotus Cars in late 2010.[7] The RB7 was also the first-ever KERS-equipped Formula One car to win the constructors' title.
Later uses
[edit]After the 2011 season, the RB7 was frequently used in demonstrations and rewrapped in different liveries throughout the years:
- On 15 March 2014 Daniel Ricciardo raced an RB7 against a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornet, piloted by RAAF pilot Michael Keightley.[8]
- On 14 January 2016, the RB7 was used by future Red Bull driver Max Verstappen to make a snow demonstration run at Kitzbühel.[9]
- On 4 February 2023, the RB7 was used by New Zealand Formula 2 driver Liam Lawson to make a demonstration lap of the Mount Panorama race track in between practice and qualifying sessions for the 2023 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.[10][11]
- On 15 March 2025, the Brazilian city of Curitiba, Paraná staged the Red Bull Showrun with two versions of RB7. The F1 model was driven by Patrick Friesacher, and the Racing Bulls version by Scott Speed. This event mobilized over 100,000 people to watch and was an absolute success.[12]
- On 2 April 2025, these cars reappeared with the same livery during the Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda event at Tokyo ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
- On 8 June 2025 the same cars participated in Red Bull Showrun Sofia and were driven by David Coulthard and Nikola Tsolov.
- On 26 July 2025, the Lithuanian city of Klaipėda organized the second Red Bull Showrun in Lithuania, the car was driven by Patrick Friesacher.
- On 13 September 2025, the car took part of the Red Bull Motormania in Magny-Cours in France. Two RB7s were driven by F1 driver Isack Hadjar and former F1 driver Sébastien Buemi. They notably demonstrated with former MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa and multiple WRC champion Sébastien Loeb, each on their own machinery.
Complete Formula One results
[edit](key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Entrant | Engine | Tyres | Drivers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | Points | WCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Red Bull Racing | Renault RS27 V8 | P | AUS | MAL | CHN | TUR | ESP | MON | CAN | EUR | GBR | GER | HUN | BEL | ITA | SIN | JPN | KOR | IND | ABU | BRA | 650 | 1st | |
| Sebastian Vettel
|
1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Ret | 2 | ||||||
| Mark Webber
|
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 2 | Ret | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Red Bull RB7 Renault". f1technical.net. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
- ^ "RB7". redbullracing.com. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
- ^ "RB7 LAUNCH DATE ANNOUNCED". Red Bull Racing. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 23 January 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
- ^ Collantine, Keith (29 January 2011). "Driver line-up set for first F1 test of 2011". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
- ^ Weaver, Paul (28 March 2011). "Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel enjoys perfect day with Kinky Kylie". The Guardian.
- ^ "Red Bull now Renault's works team – Horner". Motorsport.com. 14 September 2011. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
- ^ "Lotus buys Renault stake as legendary F1 name doubles its presence". CNN. 8 December 2010.
- ^ "Red Bull v Hornet: Ricciardo joins the RAAF". Redbull.com. Red Bull. 15 March 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
- ^ "F1 in the snow as Max Verstappen tackles ski slope in Red Bull car". Sky Sports. 16 January 2016. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ Leeuwen, Andrew van (27 January 2023). "Lawson to drive Red Bull F1 car at Bathurst". Autosport.
- ^ "Kiwi star Liam Lawson to drive Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 car at Bathurst". Bathurst 12 Hour. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
- ^ "Curitiba recebe Red Bull Showrun e encanta com velocidade e adrenalina" [Curitiba hosts Red Bull Showrun and enchants with speed and adrenaline]. Motor1 (in Portuguese). 16 March 2025. Archived from the original on 17 March 2025. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Red Bull RB7.
Red Bull RB7
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Development
Background and conception
Red Bull Racing entered the development phase of the RB7 buoyed by the resounding success of its predecessor, the RB6, which clinched the team's inaugural Constructors' Championship and enabled Sebastian Vettel to secure his first Drivers' Championship in 2010 after a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi. This triumph, marked by five race victories and a narrow points battle against rivals Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber, established a strong evolutionary baseline for the RB7, emphasizing continuity in the team's aerodynamic philosophy while addressing emerging competitive pressures.[3][6][2] The 2011 season introduced pivotal regulatory changes by the FIA that reshaped design strategies across the grid, including a outright ban on double diffusers—a key aerodynamic feature exploited in 2010—and the debut of the Drag Reduction System (DRS), permitting limited adjustment of rear wings to facilitate overtaking under specific conditions. Additionally, the optional reintroduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which had been absent in 2010, demanded integration without sacrificing performance, compelling teams like Red Bull to prioritize adaptable chassis architectures. These shifts, alongside the prohibition of flexible front wings and F-ducts, aimed to enhance racing spectacle and parity but required Red Bull to recalibrate its focus from exploiting banned loopholes to innovating within stricter confines.[7][8][9] Guided by Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, whose visionary input had propelled the RB6's dominance, Red Bull's leadership under team principal Christian Horner set an ambitious objective: to retain both world titles amid intensifying rivalry from McLaren and Ferrari, who were poised to capitalize on the regulatory reset. Newey's role was central, directing a design ethos that built on prior successes while anticipating countermeasures from competitors, ensuring the RB7 remained a title-defending contender from inception.[6][9][10] Development of the RB7 commenced in mid-2010, aligning with the post-season wind-down of RB6 activities, and culminated in a remarkably expedited timeline that saw the car unveiled on February 1, 2011, at Valencia—the shortest build period in the team's history to that point. This compressed schedule was managed within the framework of the Formula One Teams Association's (FOTA) Resource Restriction Agreement (RRA), a voluntary cost-control pact limiting expenditures on testing, wind-tunnel time, and staffing to promote financial sustainability, though it faced scrutiny and disputes among teams including Red Bull.[11][10][12]Design process and innovations
The Red Bull RB7 represented an evolutionary step from its predecessor, the RB6, which had secured the team's first Constructors' and Drivers' championships in 2010. Under the guidance of chief technical officer Adrian Newey, the design adhered to his philosophy of aggressive aerodynamics, emphasizing subtle refinements to maximize performance consistency across diverse circuits while exploiting regulatory loopholes for downforce gains.[13][14][15] A key innovation was the Coanda-effect exhaust system, developed to compensate for the 2011 ban on double diffusers by redirecting hot exhaust gases to energize airflow over the rear diffuser. The exhaust outlets were positioned along the floor, just ahead of the diffuser, utilizing the Coanda effect—where fluids adhere to curved surfaces—to guide gases along contoured bodywork, enhancing downforce without direct blowing into the diffuser as in prior years. This "hot and cold" blowing approach, involving retarded ignition timing off-throttle to maintain gas flow, significantly improved rear-end stability and overall aerodynamic efficiency.[13][16][15] The RB7 integrated the newly mandated Drag Reduction System (DRS) on the rear wing, complemented by a front wing design that optimized aerodynamic balance, though its flexibility drew scrutiny. The front wing featured a high-rake geometry—positioned lower at the nose relative to the rear—to complement DRS activation on the rear wing, reducing drag while maintaining balanced airflow to the floor and sidepods. This setup allowed for finer tuning of aerodynamic balance during races.[13][15] Development relied heavily on wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations at Red Bull's Milton Keynes facility, involving iterative phases from October 2010 through the car's February 2011 launch. Engineers conducted phased evaluations of aerodynamic components, refining the exhaust-diffuser interaction and front wing profiles through scale-model wind tunnel runs and high-fidelity CFD models to predict real-world performance.[14] Challenges arose during FIA scrutineering, particularly regarding the front wing's flexibility, which rivals alleged violated rules on deformable aerodynamic parts. The wing passed deflection tests under specified loads, but required minor redesigns to endplate stiffness to ensure compliance without sacrificing performance gains. These issues, stemming from the 2010 regulatory emphasis on rigid structures, prompted ongoing monitoring throughout the season.[17][15]Technical specifications
Chassis and aerodynamics
The Red Bull RB7 featured a composite monocoque chassis constructed from carbon fiber and honeycomb composites, designed and built in-house by the team to serve as a fully stressed component integrating the engine. This structure complied with the 2011 FIA technical regulations, including rigorous crash test standards for frontal, side, and rear impacts, ensuring occupant safety while maintaining structural integrity under high loads. The overall minimum weight of the car, including the driver, was set at 640 kg as mandated by the FIA, with the RB7 achieving this limit to optimize performance balance. The braking system utilized ventilated carbon-ceramic discs all-round.[4][18] The aerodynamic package of the RB7 was an evolution of its predecessor, incorporating a high-nose design mandated by 2011 FIA rules to elevate the front of the chassis and enhance airflow management beneath the car, reducing turbulence and improving overall efficiency. Sidepod shaping was refined to integrate exhaust gases effectively into the diffuser system, a key feature for boosting rear downforce through the blown diffuser concept, which briefly tied into innovative exhaust routing developed during the design phase. The rear wing included a Drag Reduction System (DRS) with adjustable flaps, allowing for temporary reductions in drag during overtaking while generating substantial downforce to maintain stability in corners.[19][20][2] The suspension system employed a pushrod setup at the front and a pullrod configuration at the rear, both utilizing double wishbones with carbon-composite components, Multimatic dampers, and anti-roll bars to minimize unsprung mass and optimize aerodynamic flow under the car. This layout, introduced by Red Bull in 2009 for the rear, allowed for a lower center of gravity and cleaner underbody airflow, contributing to the car's exceptional handling responsiveness. The RB7's stiff suspension tuning was tailored to Pirelli's 2011 P Zero tire compounds, which included soft, medium, and hard options, helping to distribute loads evenly and reduce wear during prolonged stints on track. Aerodynamic refinements, such as front wing endplate adjustments tested throughout the season, underscored the package's sensitivity to fine-tuning.[3][8][21]Engine and drivetrain
The Red Bull RB7 was powered by the Renault RS27-2011, a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V8 engine with a 90-degree bank angle, featuring a bore of 66 mm and stroke of 54.6 mm. This unit produced approximately 750 horsepower at its maximum of 18,000 rpm, governed by a rev limiter set to the same threshold in compliance with 2011 FIA regulations that froze engine development. The engine's design emphasized a compact layout with cast aluminium construction for the cylinder block and heads, incorporating 32 valves and electronic fuel injection to optimize performance within the era's strict emissions and sound limits.[22][4] Complementing the internal combustion engine was the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), reintroduced in 2011 after a brief hiatus and optional under the rules, which allowed the RB7 to harvest braking energy for a temporary power boost and provide a competitive advantage. The system stored up to 400 kJ of energy per lap, deployable as a 60 kW (approximately 80 hp) surge for a maximum of 6.67 seconds, integrated seamlessly with the Renault power unit to enhance acceleration out of low-speed corners without compromising overall balance. This hybrid component contributed to strategic overtaking opportunities while adhering to FIA limits on energy deployment; the updated rules raised the minimum car weight to 640 kg to accommodate potential KERS use.[23] The drivetrain featured a seven-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox, longitudinally mounted behind the engine, constructed primarily from carbon fiber composites for lightweight durability and rapid shifts. Gear changes were executed via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, supported by a hydraulic actuation system and an AP Racing clutch for seamless power delivery to the rear wheels. The fuel system utilized Total-branded racing fuel, compliant with 2011 regulations prohibiting refueling during races, with a tank capacity designed to hold sufficient volume—approximately 110 kg—for the maximum race distance of 305 km, ensuring uninterrupted operation.[21][4] Reliability was a hallmark of the RB7's powertrain, with dyno testing revealing robust performance through conservative engine mapping that prioritized endurance over peak output. This approach resulted in zero engine failures across the 19-race season, allowing consistent lap times and contributing to Red Bull's dominance in both championships. The mapping strategy balanced power delivery with thermal management, minimizing wear on components under high-rev conditions.[3]2011 season
Pre-season testing
The Red Bull RB7 made its on-track debut at the Jerez pre-season test from 10 to 13 February 2011, where Mark Webber completed 94 laps on the opening day with a best time of 1:21.522, the third-fastest of the session.[24] The team focused on initial reliability checks and aerodynamic setups, accumulating a total of 395 laps over the four days despite minor hydraulic issues that limited some runs.[25] During this test, Red Bull introduced a new floor upgrade to improve diffuser efficiency and address early vibration problems in the exhaust system.[25] The RB7 then progressed to the Barcelona test from 18 to 21 February 2011, where Sebastian Vettel took over primary duties and set the overall fastest time of 1:23.315 on day two after 104 laps.[26] The team completed 279 laps across the event, emphasizing tire evaluation and longer runs to assess degradation on Pirelli compounds. Vettel praised the car's balance and overall handling, noting it felt "very good" from the outset.[27] Mark Webber, who shared driving duties, highlighted some understeer in high-speed corners but confirmed the car's strong one-lap pace.[28] Following the cancellation of the planned Bahrain test due to civil unrest in the region, teams returned to Barcelona for a final pre-season session from 8 to 11 March 2011. Red Bull accumulated over 380 laps across the four days, with Webber setting the pace on day one (1:22.544, 97 laps) and Vettel topping day two.[29] The focus remained on aerodynamic configurations and tire wear, with the RB7 consistently producing the session's fastest times, though team engineers noted concerns over fuel consumption during extended simulation runs.[30] Compared to rivals like Ferrari and McLaren, the RB7 demonstrated superior short-run speed but required fine-tuning for race-like conditions.Race-by-race performance
The Red Bull RB7 exhibited dominant form from the opening round of the 2011 season at the Australian Grand Prix, where Sebastian Vettel claimed victory from pole position, underscoring the car's clean aerodynamic profile that delivered exceptional straight-line speed and stability through high-speed corners.[31][32] Mark Webber finished fifth, as the RB7's aero efficiency allowed it to pull away from rivals despite early challenges from McLaren.[31] In the Malaysian Grand Prix, Vettel secured another win amid variable rain conditions, with the RB7's advanced tire management enabling superior grip and degradation control on the slick surface, allowing the team to maintain pace over 56 laps.[33][34] Webber crossed the line third, benefiting from the car's balanced setup in mixed conditions, though no explicit team orders were applied during the race.[33] The RB7 continued its early dominance with victories in Turkey and Spain, where Vettel's poles and wins highlighted the chassis's adaptability to medium-downforce layouts, but encountered a setback in China when Webber retired after a collision, leaving Vettel in fourth.[35] In Monaco, Vettel triumphed from pole despite intense pressure, though the car faced gearbox concerns later in the season; no failure occurred there, with both drivers finishing in the points (Vettel first, Webber fourth).[36] At the Canadian Grand Prix, Vettel finished second and Webber third in wet conditions amid strategy challenges, with the FIA announcing post-race regulatory changes to restrict off-throttle exhaust blowing starting at the British Grand Prix.[37][38] The team rebounded in Europe with Vettel's win, but mid-season brought challenges on traction-sensitive circuits like Hungary, where the RB7's rear-end limitations in low-speed corners restricted acceleration out of hairpins, yielding Vettel second and Webber fourth behind McLaren's Jenson Button. The RB7 thrived on high-downforce tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, securing a one-two finish for Vettel and Webber thanks to its aerodynamic strengths in fast, flowing sections like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont. Mid-season upgrades, including a revised front wing introduced at Silverstone, enhanced turn-in sharpness and responsiveness, providing an estimated 0.1-second lap-time gain through better front-end balance. Further successes followed in Italy, Singapore, Korea, and India, with Vettel's wins showcasing the RB7's versatility post-upgrades, though Japan saw McLaren prevail, leaving Red Bull in second and third.[35] In Abu Dhabi, Webber finished fourth while Vettel retired after one lap due to a tire puncture. The season concluded in Brazil, where Webber claimed his sole victory amid rain, aided by team instructions to hold position after Vettel's gearbox failure dropped him to sixth, emphasizing the RB7's robustness despite the mechanical hiccup.[39][40]Championship outcomes
The Red Bull RB7 played a pivotal role in Sebastian Vettel's successful defense of the Drivers' Championship in 2011, culminating in his clinching the title with a third-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he secured his 392 points total for the season.[41][42] Mark Webber, Vettel's teammate, finished third in the standings with 258 points, contributing significantly to the team's overall dominance.[41] In the Constructors' Championship, Red Bull amassed 650 points with the RB7, finishing 153 points ahead of McLaren to claim their second consecutive title, mathematically secured by Vettel's victory from second on the grid at the Korean Grand Prix, where Webber's third place provided the necessary margin.[43][44] This win in Korea marked a decisive moment, extending Red Bull's lead beyond reach with six races remaining. The RB7 demonstrated exceptional reliability throughout the 19-race season, achieving 27 podium finishes across 38 driver starts for the two Red Bull entrants, underscoring its mechanical robustness.[45] The car suffered only three retirements due to mechanical issues, with the majority of non-finishes attributed to collisions rather than inherent faults. Post-season, the FIA confirmed the RB7's full compliance with technical regulations, validating its design following in-season scrutineering on elements like the flexible front wing and exhaust system.Post-season and legacy
Development testing
Following the 2011 season, the Red Bull RB7 continued to play a key role in the team's development efforts for future vehicles and regulatory compliance. In late November, during the FIA-sanctioned Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from 15 to 17 November, Red Bull Junior driver Jean-Éric Vergne completed extensive laps in the RB7, topping the timesheets with a best lap of 1:38.917 on the final day. The sessions emphasized aerodynamic correlation validation, with the car fitted with an aero rake—a specialized array of sensors and pressure probes—to measure airflow and downforce, allowing the team to refine wind tunnel data against real-world track conditions.[46][47] The test also served as a platform for evaluating components destined for the 2012 RB8, including hybrid system prototypes related to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Vergne logged 172 laps across the three days, focusing on energy recovery refinements to improve deployment efficiency and reliability, though minor sensor and KERS glitches were reported, providing valuable data for upcoming iterations. These efforts at the Idiada test facility in Spain during a May 2011 session further supported aerodynamic testing, with test driver Neel Jani conducting runs to assess airflow without violating in-season testing bans.[48][49] In 2012 and 2013, the RB7 was repurposed as a mule car for Pirelli's tire development program, evaluating the durability of new compounds under evolving regulations. Red Bull contributed significantly, including a dedicated 1,000 km run at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with test drivers Sébastien Buemi and Daniel Ricciardo using unmarked prototype tires for the 2014 season. These tests helped assess wear patterns and performance on the V8-powered chassis, informing Pirelli's preparations for the turbo-hybrid era.[50]Later uses and preservation
Following its dominant performance in the 2011 Formula One season, where it helped secure both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships for Red Bull Racing, the RB7 transitioned to non-competitive roles, including public demonstrations and promotional events.[19] One notable demonstration occurred at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Sebastian Vettel piloted the RB7 up the famous hillclimb course, marking his debut appearance at the event with the championship-winning machine.[51] The car has continued to feature in various showruns organized by Red Bull, such as the 2013 exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it was driven to engage fans and promote the brand in urban settings.[52] These events often highlight the RB7's enduring appeal, with drivers performing high-speed runs on closed streets to showcase Formula One technology to global audiences.[53] Post-2023, the RB7 appeared in multiple Red Bull Showrun events, including the October 2024 Johannesburg run driven by David Coulthard, as well as demonstrations in Minneapolis and Houston in 2024. As of November 2025, it continues to be used in such promotional activities worldwide.[54] Red Bull Racing has preserved at least one RB7 chassis in near-original specification for ongoing use in demonstrations and archival purposes, ensuring its mechanical components, including the Renault V8 engine, remain functional with minimal modifications beyond updated liveries for specific events.[53] This maintenance allows the car to operate on sustainable fuels in recent outings, such as a 2023 run at the Nürburgring by Vettel himself.[55] Additionally, an RB7 is on permanent display at Red Bull's Hangar-7 facility in Salzburg, Austria, as part of the team's collection of championship-winning vehicles from the RB2 through RB7 eras, offering visitors a close-up view of its aerodynamic design and historical significance.[56] The RB7's legacy extends to popular culture, appearing as a drivable option in the official F1 2011 video game developed by Codemasters, where players could experience its real-world dominance on virtual tracks replicating the season's calendar.[57] It has also been featured in documentaries and media productions related to the 2011 season, including Red Bull's own films showcasing driver experiences with the car, such as rally champion Sébastien Ogier testing it in 2017, and the official FIA season review highlighting its 12 race victories.[58][59]Results
Complete Formula One results
The Red Bull RB7 participated in all 19 rounds of the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship, driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber for Red Bull Racing. The car secured 12 race victories (11 for Vettel and 1 for Webber), 18 pole positions (15 for Vettel and 3 for Webber), and 27 podium finishes, contributing to a total of 650 points for the team. Vettel clinched the Drivers' Championship with 392 points, while Red Bull won the Constructors' Championship. The RB7 recorded 10 fastest laps (3 by Vettel and 7 by Webber), with the only retirements being Webber's accident in Italy and Vettel's puncture in Abu Dhabi; there were no disqualifications or penalties imposed on the car or its drivers during the season.[35]
The table summarizes qualifying grid positions (with poles indicated in the introductory aggregates), race finishing positions, and points scored under the 2010-2012 scoring system (25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1). Practice session details (Q1-Q3) are omitted for conciseness, as they do not alter starting grids beyond noted issues like Webber's fuel problem in China qualifying.[35]
Driver statistics
Sebastian Vettel drove the RB7 to 11 race victories in the 2011 season, securing pole position on 15 occasions and amassing 392 points to claim the FIA Formula One World Drivers' Championship. He demonstrated exceptional reliability, finishing all 19 races he started without any retirements, achieving a 100% completion rate. Mark Webber, Vettel's teammate, recorded 1 race win, 3 pole positions, and 258 points, finishing third in the Drivers' Championship. His season included one retirement due to an accident in Italy, resulting in a 94.7% finish rate across the 19 races. In head-to-head comparisons, Vettel outperformed Webber in qualifying 16 times to 3, underscoring his dominance in single-lap pace with the RB7. Vettel also led in race results, winning 11 grands prix to Webber's 1, though both drivers contributed to Red Bull's Constructors' Championship triumph.| Driver | Wins | Poles | Points | Races Started | Finishes | Finish Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastian Vettel | 11 | 15 | 392 | 19 | 19 | 100% |
| Mark Webber | 1 | 3 | 258 | 19 | 18 | 94.7% |