After a long drought since its last constructors’ title in 2013, Red Bull looks poised to win this year’s championship in the coming weeks, after Max Verstappen was crowned two-time world champion at Suzuka last Sunday.
Taking advantage of the occasion, Christian Horner praised his technical director Adrian Newey, who in 2022 has been one of the great keys for the Austrians in a season with completely new technical regulations.
” Adrian and the whole technical team ,” he said when asked about Newey’s contribution.
“Pierre Wache, our technical director, Enrico Balbo [head of aerodynamics], Craig Skinner [head of design], Ben Waterhouse [head of performance engineering], I think it’s the best technical team we’ve ever had.
“And I think that’s a clear example of the hard work that has been done behind the scenes that has allowed us to have this performance.”
Horner was also keen to stress that last year’s title fight against Mercedes forced the team to focus on its 2022 project later than some of its rivals.
“I think for the team to do what we did last year and come into this season with such a competitive car , being the last team to transition, under enormous pressure with the cost cap and everything else, has given us It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
“I think the car and the way we’ve adapted to the new rules, with our engineering team, has been amazing from everyone involved, and I think Max has also grown a lot since he won his first championship. world”.
“Everyone within the factory, within Red Bull, all of our technical partners, have gone one step further this year, and it has been impressive,” he added.
Horner also wanted to give his credit to Honda, whose name appeared on the cars during the Japanese GP after striking a new deal.
Indeed, Horner asked Honda’s Formula 1 project boss Yasuaki Asaki to collect the constructors’ trophy at Suzuka.
“Winning here, with Honda having confirmed their commitment for the next three years, and Asaki having been one of those behind-the-scenes heroes within the organization, it seemed only right that he should pick up the constructors’ trophy. It’s a very proud moment for all in HRC .”
“We are really grateful for the support they have given us over the years and obviously as a supplier this year, they have also done a great job. All our partners, such as Exxon Mobil , with that new E10 fuel, have also been key this year. “.
“Everything needs to come together to achieve these kinds of results. And we’ve done it, we’ve done it.”
Horner didn’t forget Red Bull’s overlord either: “I have to give a big shout out to Dietrich Mateschitz . Everything he’s given to all of us, the relentless support for Red Bull, is why we’re all here. So that from here I send a big greeting to Dietrich and everyone who works with and for Red Bull, for what has been achieved”, he concluded.