Red Bull have had some incredible driver pairings over the years in Formula 1, with the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber having been a formidable duo, whilst Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo were blisteringly fast; however, there is a pairing that tops them all.
Last Friday in New York City, Red Bull revealed to the world their livery for the 2023 season, as they prepare to defend their Constructors’ Championship.
To no surprise, the team’s livery for 2023 is virtually identical to their design from last season, leaving many disappointed.
Whilst this wasn’t a surprise, a comment made by team principal Christian Horner was, with the Brit having hailed Verstappen and Sergio Pérez as the team’s “best pairing we’ve ever had”.
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The pair have certainly done well in their two years alongside each other, with Verstappen having claimed two consecutive Drivers’ Championships, with the team having won the Constructors’ last season.
But is the pairing better than Vettel and Webber, who claimed four consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2010-2013, whilst Vettel won the Drivers’ Championship in each of those seasons.
Horner believes the team are “very lucky” to have their current line-up, which boasts “two such talented drivers”.
“Well, we’re very lucky we got two fantastic drivers and you know their combined efforts the last two years have been stunning,” Horner explained at the launch of the RB19 on Friday.
“Obviously, you know, that first Drivers’ World Championship for Max in ’21 and then the double championship last year and winning 17 Grands Prix between the two of them.
“First and third in in the Drivers’ Championship and of course, bringing home that Constructors’ Championship back to Oracle Red Bull Racing for the first time in eight years. And, you know, these guys, I think it’s the best pairing we’ve ever had in Formula 1. It’s been hugely successful.
“We’re going to need every bit of that this year as we go against some big opponents, with the other teams looking to come back at us after such a dominant season last year, but we’re very fortunate to have to two such talented drivers.”
Ex-Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle was left puzzled by Horner’s ‘best ever’ comment, with the Sky Sports F1 pundit asking, “what does Christian mean when he says ‘best?”.
Brundle certainly found the comment “odd” but wonders if he means Pérez is “more compliant” than some of the team’s former drivers, with the Austrians have endured several inter-team issues with other drivers throughout the years.
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“I mean, what does Christian mean when he says ‘best’? Does he mean they fit together well as a combo?” Brundle said on Sky Sports F1 after the launch.
“In other words, that Sergio is probably a little bit more compliant than perhaps Mark Webber, or Sebastian Vettel would have been.
“So, odd in that respect, but Christian’s got the data and that’s what he thinks, and he’s the boss. But as you say, you know, if they’re the two you’ve got going into the season ahead, why not say nice things about them?”