Christian Horner: Red Bull target historic clean sweep in 2024 Formula 1 season

Team principal Christian Horner expressed the team's humbling experience after their remarkable performance throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season.

The Milton Keynes-based team had been on the verge of making history, clinching 21 out of 22 race wins, setting a pace that seemed unstoppable. The ambition to secure an unprecedented 100% strike rate eluded them in Singapore, where Ferrari's Carlos Sainz emerged victorious due to setup troubles with Red Bull's RB19, forcing Max Verstappen to settle for fifth place.

Despite this lone setback, Verstappen's season was nothing short of extraordinary. Winning 17 out of 18 races on either side of the Singapore Grand Prix, he established a new standard for dominance in the history of Grand Prix racing. Verstappen's achievements included leading over 1,000 laps, securing 19 victories, breaking McLaren's 1988 record, and surpassing Red Bull's own consecutive win record with Sebastian Vettel.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity for a perfect season, Horner shared his perspective: "It leaves you humbled. That there is still something to strive for, and it is a useful lesson that things can change quickly." He acknowledged the exceptional nature of the team's performance, emphasizing the insanity of winning 21 out of 22 races.

Verstappen's unyielding pursuit of excellence bodes well for Red Bull's future. Horner predicted, "He'll be exactly the same, he hasn't changed in the last four or five years. He is a racer, he wants to race, he wants to win, is at one with the car, and he's got so much natural ability and self-confidence and faith in his own ability."

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Horner expressed confidence in Verstappen's continued determination to secure a fourth title. "It is up to us to give him the tools to be able to do that, and hopefully, we can take some of the lessons from this car and apply it to the RB20," he added.

In the wake of their remarkable season, Red Bull's journey toward Formula 1 glory continues, fuelled by the lessons learned in Singapore and the relentless spirit of Max Verstappen.

 

Read More: Abu Dhabi GP: Red Bull's Max Verstappen ends season with another victory (planetsport.com)