Possible advantages of Red Bull Racing's matte paint

[bdr529]

For Williams.. to provide a flat/refractive base for a pop-out specular/3D look.. sponsor image-wise, sure, why not..

(fun fact: white is not a colour and black is the culmination of all colours.)

Unfortunately my comment that was in reply to DiogoBrand post, was done without seeing that you had also posted in the mean time.

[sp3no]

This stinks of Adrian Newey. Slippery paint & racing yachts spill over into F1

[J.A.W.]

For Williams.. to provide a flat/refractive base for a pop-out specular/3D look.. sponsor image-wise, sure, why not..

(fun fact: white is not a colour and black is the culmination of all colours.)

Unfortunately my comment that was in reply to DiogoBrand post, was done without seeing that you had also posted in the mean time.

Thats cool bdr... & if it really matters materially, maybe next time - use of the quote function - will serve to clarify things.

Anyhow..

Here, a WW2 period doco shows the careful detail attention given to ensure a fine aero-finish - for best Spitfire performance..

(The scant regard given to the process safety aspects - appears startling - by current standards).

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F02334/

[garygph]

I have been reading all the comments with an open mind but after attending the testing I now think it is for aesthetic reasons. I could not believe how much more visible the Red Bull is compared to the other cars livery. It really does "pop" and is probably easier to photograph in sunlight as well. I was hoping it was for something more interesting like assisting the coanda effect or drag reduction however it looks likely that it is nothing that exciting for those of us who enjoy the technical side of things. I was intrigued by it all due to Red Bull having prepared a surface on their wings for better wet weather performance a while ago. Still hoping I am wrong..........

[djos]

I think it's pretty clear that this is just a really great paint job, shame tho as it's a fun idea.

[aterren]

It has a benefit per Pat Symonds:

Q: Redbull has painted their car in matte paint. Is there any aerodynamic benefit to that paint.
A: And they are the second team to do that, aren't they? The first one of course you know is Williams.
Q: What is the thinking behind that?
A: The surface finish on certain parts of the vehicle are very important. The requirements are different in different parts of the vehicle but...yeah,,,there is something there.

Starting at 29 minutes: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/multi ... -podcasts/

I suppose it could be misdirection but from the conversation I am inclined to take it at face value.

[strad]

thanks for the link

[J.A.W.]

It has a benefit per Pat Symonds:

Q: Redbull has painted their car in matte paint. Is there any aerodynamic benefit to that paint.
A: And they are the second team to do that, aren't they? The first one of course you know is Williams.
Q: What is the thinking behind that?
A: The surface finish on certain parts of the vehicle are very important. The requirements are different in different parts of the vehicle but...yeah,,,there is something there.

Starting at 29 minutes: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/multi ... -podcasts/

I suppose it could be misdirection but from the conversation I am inclined to take it at face value.

Take what at "face value"?

The guarded, - if possibly slyly supercilious/ or disingenuous - failure to claim a quantitative aero-benefit..
.. or an embarrassed unwillingness to just admit - that for sure its - "important" - as a marketing impact ploy..

[RicME85]

Is the Red Bull GP2 car also matte? Has the same livery.

[Manoah2u]

looks fantastic!

[bdr529]

Is the Red Bull GP2 car also matte? Has the same livery.
http://damcdn.autosport.com/editorial/c ... 147c4e.jpg

I think so, it's the only other photo I'v seen of this years car so far. I'd like to see another just to be sure.

[J.A.W.]

As seen on TV, during a 100% overcast/diffuse light today - in the AGP - Q..
..the RBR surface finish didn't present as 'matte' - more of a satin sheen, but the RB logos sure did 'pop' visually..

[J.A.W.]

As seen on TV today - in more direct sunshine - the white field coat of the Williams had a soft velvety looking finish..
.. presenting almost like marzipan cake icing, with the Martini coloured stripes standing out glossy on top..

[strad]

I notice the Army top fuel car looks a little matte.

[djos]

Mark Webber, who knows Newey well and still has strong links to RedBull, reckons that the only reason that matte finish is on the car is because of performance.

He reckons it had to be approved by Dietrich who didn't like it but approved it anyway.