Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner says Red Bull Racing ‘never lost sight of its goals’ for 2022 Formula 1, despite being embroiled in the various off-track political battles the team has faced. .
Red Bull Racing dominated both championships in 2022, with Max Verstappen claiming his second drivers’ title with a record 15 wins in a season.
Sergio Pérez won two races and finished third in the championship, while Red Bull Racing secured the Constructors’ title with three races to go.
But Red Bull’s season was not without its setbacks. Most notably when it received a $7 million fine and reduced aerodynamic testing over the next 12 months after violating last year’s budget cap.
Red Bull also disputed plans to change its aerodynamic rules for 2023 in response to the porpassing issue, believing it was lobbying for concerns to help “certain teams”.
Asked if the 2022 season was one of the toughest political seasons F1 has faced, Christian Horner said: “We’ve had a solid back shot off the track this year.
“We are a race team. We are not a political party. We are focused on racing, we are hard racers and we are pushing the boundaries. That’s what race teams do if they want to be successful.”
“That’s always been our approach. It’s always worked out for us. That’s how we enjoy the competition. I feel like this year has been tough at times. Unfortunately, that’s F1.”
Red Bull got off to a slow start, suffering three DNFs in the opening three races, including a double retirement at the season opener in Bahrain, but bounced back in a battle with Ferrari and eventually won the development race in the second half of the season. dominated.
Christian Horner feels Red Bull’s 1-2 finish at April’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was a key moment to put pressure on Ferrari, which had led early in both championships.
“Our team has done a great job of producing such a competitive car and rebounding after two DNFs in Bahrain where Ferrari scored a 1-2 finish,” said Horner.
“We never lost sight of our target. By the time we got to Imola, we had won a sprint and a grand prix in our first 1-2 of the year, putting pressure on Ferrari and letting them breathe. I didn’t give you time
“We continued to develop the car efficiently and were able to cut some weight and Max has been in a sensational form this year. Looking back at some of the races earlier this year, the early races with Ferrari It was very tight, Miami, Saudi Arabia and even Bahrain.”
“It’s been a great season for us.”
