Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has raised concerns that Red Bull’s efforts to storm to the 2023 titles could be hurt by a potential “game changer” technical directive.
Compared to their rivals, Red Bull appears to be far ahead of the pack and locked on to secure a third consecutive Drivers’ Championship and second consecutive Constructors’ Championship for the team.
In Bahrain, Max Verstappen sped to victory over 38 seconds ahead of the nearest non-Red Bull car, with Sergio Perez locking in second place.
In Saudi Arabia, Perez converted pole into victory, with Verstappen successfully weaving his way through the pack from 15th to 2nd, as well as securing the fastest lap point in controversial fashion.
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Despite this dominance, Horner has refused to allow the team’s success to go to his head, fearing that there is “always something, always a technical directive that drops, a game changer.”
“You can guarantee that the others will be scheming, ‘how can we slow them down’,” he continued. “It’s part of the game. Having lived through it before you become more seasoned in how to ride it out.”
With the 2022 season having brought in the biggest set of technical changes in the history of Formula One, Red Bull has managed to find a design that provides the pace and aerodynamic advantage to keep them at the front.
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Horner arguably couldn’t have hoped for a much better start to 2023, as his team has secured 87 out of 88 points in the Constructors’ Championship, giving them an early lead over Aston Martin, who’ve surprised the paddock with a competitive car.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen finds himself locked in a tight battle with his teammate, as the Dutchman holds a one point lead over the Mexican driver.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is hot on their heels, having secured back-to-back third place finishes.