Red Bull's RB18 has reportedly been recognized by the FIA

After a report showed the car failed the FIA crash test, Red Bull's RB18 was "fully released."

Every year, F1 cars undergo FIA-mandated crash tests to ensure that the car effectively protects the driver in the event of an accident. According to Italian media reports, the frontal crash test of the Red Bull RB18 car failed. The outlet claimed that the RB18 "did not pass the early chassis certification", which would "force Red Bull Racing to check the ability of the front and chassis to absorb energy". Red Bull did not comment on the report. However, according to F1 insiders, RB18 has been endorsed.

Journalist Bianca Garof said: "The team of world champion Max Verstappen, like Mercedes, has been recognised by the FIA, although a release date for the new car is still awaiting. ”

The report did not say whether this was after changes were made to the car or whether previous reports were incorrect. There have been reports claiming that Mercedes' W13 also failed crash tests, but Mercedes denied this. The team said the W13 completed its full FIA certification on January 13.

Mercedes will release W13 on Feb. 18, while Red Bull has yet to set a date, with some speculating that this is because the team is waiting for a sponsorship deal to be finalized.

Although Red Bull driver Verstappen will enter the season as the reigning world champion, last season's constructors' championship belonged to Mercedes, and Christian Horner recently said he feared Ferrari could pose a threat.

He said: "I think there might be surprises for teams like Lali and McLaren because it's a complete reset of the rules, we and Mercedes were both involved in last year's title race, so it's inevitable that we'll be distracted in the next year's investment. I expect some very stiff competition this year. ”