RB5

The Red Bull Racing RB5, designed for 2009 Formula 1 season and launched February 9, 2009 at Circuito de Jerez in Spain, features Renault RS27 2.4-liter 90-degree V8 engine producing approximately 750 horsepower at maximum 18,000 rpm with 32 valves and cast aluminum cylinder block construction meeting FIA minimum weight of 95 kg. Composite monocoque structure designed and built in-house carries Renault V8 engine as fully stressed member with seven-speed longitudinally mounted hydraulic gearbox with power shift and clutch operation. Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber drove RB5 throughout season achieving team first pole position, first win, and first 1-2 finish at 2009 Chinese Grand Prix establishing Red Bull Racing as championship contender.

The RB5 won 6 of 17 races with Vettel capturing four victories and Webber two, resulting in team finishing second in Constructors Championship behind Brawn GP and Vettel second in Drivers Championship behind Jenson Button. The 2009 season represented breakthrough for Red Bull Racing establishing foundation for dominant championship years following. The combination of powerful Renault RS27 V8 engine, composite monocoque construction providing rigidity and safety, advanced seven-speed hydraulic gearbox, and Adrian Newey aerodynamic design makes RB5 historically significant Formula 1 car marking Red Bull Racing transition from midfield competitor to championship-contending constructor establishing dynasty that would dominate 2010-2013 seasons with four consecutive championships demonstrating team engineering excellence and competitive determination.