2022 was without a shadow of a doubt Red Bull’s year, one which top advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes was actually their “best season ever”.
The Austrians were mighty impressive all campaign, were they did excellently to overcome reliability issues which tortured them at the start of the year.
It does seem remarkable that both Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez retired from the season opener in Bahrain yet have then gone on to enjoy as much success as the team have.
Verstappen achieved the most successful season in the history of the sport, as he claimed a second consecutive World Championship.
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The imperious Dutchman not only broke the record for most wins in a single season, after winning 15 of the 22 completed races in 2022; he also broke the record for most points accumulated in a year.
Verstappen amassed 454 points in 2022, an extraordinary achievement.
Pérez too performed valiantly, after claiming two victories and his first pole position, back at the start of the year in Saudi Arabia.
The Mexican ended the year narrowly missing out on P2, but third in the Drivers’ Championship was nevertheless an excellent result.
With that in mind, Red Bull claimed the Constructors’ crown with ease, their first of which since 2013.
Marko was quick to identify the team’s dominance when speaking recently, where he also warned their competitors that Verstappen will “only get better”.
“We have never been so dominant, this was our best season ever, and Max will only get better,” said Marko.
“He has been better this year than ever before. He is fast, he is really good on his tyres now and he has a better view all over in the car.
“Look at the last race (in Abu Dhabi), he won in a relatively easy way. I really expect him to improve even more in the next few years. As a team we have done an outstanding job this season.”
Whilst there has been a lot to celebrate for Red Bull this season, there was, of course, the small matter of the ‘Cashgate’ scandal to deal with.
After being found guilty of breaching the 2021 budget cap, Red Bull were punished by the FIA with a $7 million fine and a 10-percent reduction in permitted aerodynamic research.
With the punishment set to begin taking its toll on the team, Marko is insistent that the Austrians can’t make “mistakes” next season.
“It is simple, there is no room for mistakes,” added Marko.
“We have to be sharper than ever and the motivation to come out stronger in 2023 will only be bigger.”
Reflecting on the season and Verstappen’s success in particular, the Austrian was quick to joke that Verstappen’s celebratory drink of choice is much more to his liking than former driver Sebastian Vettel’s.
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Marko admitted that the four-time World Champion used to celebrate by drinking “awful Jagerbombs”, whilst Verstappen is a “gin and tonic man”.
“Sebastian had the habit to celebrate his victories with those awful Jagerbombs,” added Marko.
“Max is more a gin and tonic man — when those are served, I happily join him.”