Do the Right Thing at the Right Time: Red Bull RB5 Makes Internet Debut

Exhibiting the trend that the internet is taking over the mainstream television channels, Red Bull Racing unveiled the RB5 through an online video that was posted on their website and subsequently posted everywhere else including YouTube.

Instead of showing a carbon fibre body on a racetrack with a throng of media present, the video was released on redbullracing.com as an animation with Sebastien Vettel explaining the new features of the RB5 as well as giving a simplified explanation of what KERS is.

There was no commentary, and there was no sound bites. It was just talk from an F1 driver, a primary source.

When it comes to car debuts, Red Bull and Toro Rosso appear to be the only teams making an effort to involve fans by skipping the middleman of the media. By doing animations, putting videos on their website, and just utilizing interactivity that other teams seem to lack, these two teams appear to be making headway in getting fans.

However, we cannot forget about McLaren's Grand Prix League,which is essentially like sports betting, except with prizes given out at the end of season.

Of course, the exclusivity still remains with Red Bull parties and such, but by appealing directly to fans instead of the regular sound bites we receive from the media and their spin, Red Bull has shown that they want to speak directly to fans—with no translation or commentary needed.

Of course, the RB5 will make its physical debut on February 9 and we'll see how it will do on the course against the Ferraris, the McLarens, the BMWs and everyone else.