Taking advantage of the fact that the Formula 1 World Championship was held last weekend in Montmeló, Red Bull took advantage of the synergies that bind them in sailing to get closer to Barcelona and see the Copa América boats up close. This is the case of Max Verstappen and Red Bull driver Mark Webber, who did not want to miss the experience of living a day with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, co-owner of motorsports and sailing teams.
Flying above the waves thanks to cutting-through foils, America’s Cup boats are at the forefront of aerodynamics and materials technology, like the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19.
The two-time F1 world champion saw firsthand the high technology of Alinghi Red Bull Racing during a visit to the headquarters in Barcelona, has has included meetings with designers and crew members, as well as a session in the Swiss squad simulator in the company of their skipper, Arnaud Psarofaghis.
Max’s America’s Cup experience was not only virtual, as the pilot also had the opportunity to ride the waves Mediterranean at speeds of up to 100 km/h aboard the team’s Chase Boat to get a taste of what it’s really like to compete in the America’s Cup.
«I had a great day with Alinghi Red Bull Racing and skipper Arnaud Psarofaghissaid Max Verstappen.
«They took me on the boat to see up close what the team was doing, and I loved it. It is great listen to the opinions of the crew and listen to them discuss the technical side. It is always good to understand a little more about this aspect. Both F1 and sailing are based on communication and teamwork. When I’m in the car, I’m checking in with a lot of people to see if everything is working over the course of a race weekend, and the same is true here with the group of eight sailors. It’s about having good communication and working together to get the best results. Also, it might rain at the weekend, and since I’ve been in the water before, even that might help.”
For the Alinghi Red Bull Racing skipper, meeting Verstappen was a unique opportunity to hear a champion with similar experience competing in a sport that rewards precision, preparation and the perfect combination of technology and commitment.
«It was incredible to have the opportunity to exchange with someone at the top of his discipline like Max.added Alinghi Red Bull Racing skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis.
“We have a lot to learn from his approach to high technology and racing under pressure. If we compare F1 and our boat, Max is alone in his car and has to make quick decisions on his own on the track. In our boat, there are eight of us on board, we have to communicate with each other and be fully connected to perform. Having welcomed Max to our base, I look forward to going to the Grand Prix on Sunday to cheer him on.”
Alinghi Red Bull Racing is preparing for the 2024 edition of the America’s Cup with the support of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Red Bull’s high-tech engineering solutions division, using its expertise in aerodynamics, composite materials, software and simulation to help the Swiss team achieve success on the racetrack.
Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Advanced Technologies Technical Director, Adrian Newey, legendary F1 designer, joined Max on a visit to the Swiss Challenge base in Barcelona to see how the team is progressing with the development of their AC75 boat.
“It was a great experience. There is a great similarity between F1 and what is happening in AlinghiRed Bull Racing, because all the systems are very similar in our world: aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and light composite materials. In addition, there is a synergy between man and machine. We have a lot to learn, and it shows, because working together pays off. Our boys enjoy working with them and I think Alinghi Red Bull Racing finds our contribution useful. I was really pleased to see it come to life today and I look forward to continuing to work together before the 37th America’s Cup,” added Adrian.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
