In a sport where sustained dominance by one team or driver for the last decade has been the norm the 2023 Formula 1 season might witness an unprecedented feat – Red Bull (with Max Verstappen as the lead driver, is going unbeaten throughout the year.
This notion is gaining traction, with George Russell, the Mercedes driver, suggesting that Red Bull has a genuine shot at winning every race this season. While McLaren came close in 1988, clinching victory in all but one race, Red Bull’s quest for invincibility in this 23-race campaign remains to be seen. Here are the key factors that make them the premier team in F1 today:
Pundits from around the world have tried to answer why Max Verstappen is just so darn dominant.
The exceptional success of Max Verstappen and his Red Bull F1 Team boils down to a well-defined formula which Red Bull has crafted together and which seems to elude the other teams.
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Red Bulls success is simply the result of having spent years preparing for this. They have crafted together all the elements which makes them unbeatable.
Max Verstappen is One of the Best Drivers
The debate over the greatest F1 driver, both current and all-time, is often divisive. There is no question that when Max retires his name will be recorded in the history books alongside the greats like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio.
Whether he is better than these is a contentious point and one which is guaranteed to raise the hackles of other F1 supporters.
In an interview with Kronen Zeitung Gerhard Berger recently claimed that Verstappen and Ayrton Senna are the most gifted drivers of his lifetime. He believes that both are ahead of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
“Verstappen and Senna are unique in the business – they are the two best I have seen in the last 50 years,”
Gerhard Berger
“Schumacher and Hamilton are also exceptional drivers. Of course, you should always look at the statistics, they are both fantastic.
“But Senna died early – and Verstappen is still young.”
Max Verstappen has a Great Partner
In Sergio Perez Max has the same type of support that Valtteri Bottas provided Lewis Hamilton. Even though Sergio has had his own issues in 2023 he strikes a fine balance between supporting Verstappen and not posing a sustained threat.
While there are moments of frustration and uninspiring performance, Perez’s value to Red Bull cannot be underestimated.
Max Verstappen has a Superior Car
Of course, Max comes in for some criticism from dissenters who say it is all due to the car. The said the same about Lewis Hamilton during his winning streak. Both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have proven that it is not just the car!
There is no question that the RB19, Red Bull’s 2023 car, is the best car on the circuit in 2023. It represents a conscious effort to meet the preferences of both Verstappen and Perez.
The team has addressed all the imperfections of its predecessor with the RB18. It now delivers consistent high performance across different tracks. With the teams having won every race so far (ip to and including the Italian GP) the car appears unstoppable.
Max Verstappen has Adrian Newey
In Adrian Newey, it is generally accepted that Red Bull has the most successful F1 designer in history. He is a driving force behind Red Bull’s success.
He understands that rules and using his unconventional approach, rooted in using a drawing board and pencil, he has repeatedly proven how good he really is.
Newey’s expertise was instrumental in solving technical challenges and providing a stable platform for success.
Christian Horner is A Great Leader
It is interesting that the two teams that have dominated F1 in te ast 15 years are led by teh tow most effective principals – Christian Horner and Toto Wolff.
The team principal sets the tone in the team, attracts the right team member sand empowers them to do the best work.
Christian recognized the importance of retaining Adrian Newey within Red Bull, even in the face of interest from competitors like Ferrari. Horner’s commitment to keeping Newey on board exemplifies his effective leadership.
The performance of the pit crew is nothing short of brilliant – this is all a result of great leadership.
Hannah Schmitz is Brilliant
Red Bull’s aggressive strategic approach sets them apart – even from Mercedes. They make bold moves, such as switching to soft tires early in races, with the aim of gaining an edge.
Hannah Schmitz Red Bull’s Principal Strategy Engineer has the reputation of pulling off the impossible. The British engineer is extremely capable and is acknowledged in Red Bull as one of the reasons the team is so dominant.
This proactive strategy often pays off, as seen in Verstappen’s victory in Mexico City in 2022.
Max Verstappen has the Best Pit Crew
Red Bull’s pit crew is renowned for its efficiency and for, setting records for the fastest-ever pit stops.
Their precision and speed allow the team to execute daring strategies with confidence. Once again it is the result of brilliant leadership.
Conclusion
While Red Bull’s dominance might eventually wane, their current success hinges on these seven critical factors. The question remains: when will their remarkable streak come to an end? Only time will tell.
