Christian Horner reflects on Red Bull Racing’s exceptional 2023 season, anticipates a more competitive 2024 Formula 1 season with teams likely emulating Red Bull’s successful RB19 design, and considers Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin as potential challengers, highlighting Fernando Alonso‘s impressive performance.
Highlights
– ‣ Christian Horner acknowledges the exceptional success of Red Bull Racing in 2023, winning 21 out of 22 races, but does not expect a repeat of such dominance in 2024.
– ‣ Red Bull focused early on the development of their 2024 car, the RB20, revisiting all areas to avoid complacency, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining competitive advantage.
– ‣ Horner anticipates that more Formula 1 cars in 2024 will resemble the RB19 due to its success, suggesting a trend where competitors may try to emulate Red Bull’s design and strategies.
– ‣ Despite the uncertainty of who will be Red Bull’s closest competitor in 2024, Horner highlights Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin as potential threats, with special praise for Fernando Alonso’s performance at Aston Martin.
Christian Horner knows the score. 2023? A standout year for Red Bull Racing, snagging 21 wins out of 22 races. He’s got his eyes on the prize for the next Formula 1 season, especially with Max Verstappen and the rivals breathing down their necks.
Red Bull had a bit of a luxury, really. They were so far ahead, they could chill on the RB19 development by summer. Started dreaming up the RB20 instead. “All areas have been revisited in the car. We can’t afford to have any complacency,” Horner spilled to Speedcafe.com.
### Horner: ‘More F1 cars will look like the RB19’
So, the car’s getting a facelift but nothing crazy. Red Bull’s not about reinventing the wheel. They’ve got a formula that works. Horner’s betting other teams will play catch-up this year. “I’m expecting the cars to look more familiar to a (RB)19 because it’s inevitable that they will,” the 50-year-old Briton mused.
But don’t expect a repeat of 2023’s dominance in 2024. Horner’s calling it a “unicorn year.” So, who’s on Horner’s radar for 2024? McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes have all upped their game. But don’t sleep on Aston Martin.
“Mercedes has great strength in depth. They’ve been through the wringer, but they’ve got the talent to bounce back,” Horner observed. “McLaren ended strong, and Ferrari’s showing promise. But it’s tough to call.”
### Praising Horner: “He drove fantastic”
And Aston Martin? They’re not out of the race. Fernando Alonso’s been turning heads, especially in the season’s first half. “They started strong but lost steam. They’re digging into why,” Horner noted about Lawrence Stroll’s squad.
Big facilities, big resources, and Alonso’s been nothing short of brilliant. “For a 42-year-old, he’s been outstanding,” Horner wrapped up, tipping his hat to Alonso’s performance.
