Red Bull has had an incredibly dominant year in Formula 1, making history with their success. However, team principal Christian Horner is realistic about the challenges they may face in the upcoming season, expressing doubt about replicating such a remarkable performance.
The team clinched both championships effortlessly, winning all but one of the 22 races this year. Max Verstappen, with 19 race victories, secured his third consecutive title in a car that displayed unprecedented dominance, breaking numerous records along the way.
Red Bull’s superiority over the past two seasons, where they more than doubled the points of their closest rival, Mercedes, in the constructors’ championship, is recognized by Horner. He acknowledges the efforts of competitors, including Mercedes, to close the gap during the off-season, anticipating a more competitive field.
Horner recognizes the dynamic nature of Formula 1, stating that their rivals will be motivated to challenge them. He emphasizes the constant evolution of the sport and the likelihood of regulations narrowing the performance gaps. While Horner doesn’t foresee a repeat of their extraordinary season, he hopes to apply the lessons learned from the RB19 to develop a competitive car for the future.
Ferrari, the only other team to win a race this year, and Aston Martin, are eager to challenge Red Bull. Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, is undertaking a significant overhaul of their design for the next season, acknowledging the need for substantial changes in various components to stay competitive.
Despite Lewis Hamilton expressing concern about Red Bull’s impressive performance in the final race, where they won by a significant margin without recent car developments, he remains optimistic. Hamilton acknowledges the team’s understanding of what needs to be done and remains uncertain about their ability to catch up but is hopeful for the future.