And no they don't put all the money into one car, they tend to be the same car for both drivers in a team unless they are testing one upgrade idea against another. There is a a cost cap and testing cap, which limits how much they can throw at brute forcing the optimal car.

[–] Dave 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I guess my question is one that arose when you said:

The bonkers thing is that with this announcement it means either the ozzy driver Riccardo will be promoted into the fastest car next year, or be out of the sport all together.

Why don't all the drivers on the two red bull teams have the fastest car? Do they not share their designs?

[–] Munkisquisher 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

No, the teams must design most of the car themselves. They are allowed to buy the engine, gearbox and some suspension parts from other teams. But all the aero parts and chassis must be designed in house. The FIA have access to their computer systems and factories to police this and the cost cap. The teams being constructors is a key feature of F1. Red Bull's second team RB is based in Italy, while the top team is in the UK.

[–] Dave 2 points 2 months ago

Ah, that explains it. Thanks!