NOS Max Verstappen and teammate Sergio Pérez pose with their new car
NOS Sport•donderdag, 21:00
Louis Dekker
Formula 1 reporter
Louis Dekker
Formula 1 reporter
Can Red Bull Racing perform even better than last season? The year in which Max Verstappen shattered his own victory record with nineteen grand prix victories? The year in which only Ferrari managed to beat Red Bull once?
At the racing team’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, England, they really believe in it. “The new RB20 is better than its predecessor on all fronts,” promises chief designer Adrian Newey. “We corrected a few errors and weaknesses last winter.”
“Can we win even more races than last year? It is possible. But is it realistic? That is the question,” Verstappen responds on the eve of his tenth Formula 1 season. “Time will tell. It is important that we get off to a good start and that the car quickly feels familiar.”
Driving force
Verstappen does not find it very interesting to improve his own record again. “I mainly want to have fun. Have strong weekends. That is my motivation. Of course we want to win as many races as possible. But if the car is good enough, that will happen automatically.”
Verstappen can’t wait for his lightning-fast RB20
Red Bull Racing presented the car on Thursday with which 26-year-old Max Verstappen wants to win his fourth world title in a row. According to Newey, the omens are favorable, but the designer guards against pride.
“We have just completed the first laps on the Silverstone circuit. That is exciting: the first indication of whether everything is correct and working. This shakedown confirmed a lot. It feels good, but doesn’t guarantee anything. Is it enough? We will notice that in the coming weeks.”
Newey is referring to the upcoming start of the season in Bahrain. Next week all teams will put their new racing weapons to the test there. The season kicks off in the oil state at the end of February.
Red Bull Racing is celebrating an anniversary. “We started twenty years ago and were considered a bunch of partygoers at the time,” team boss Christian Horner remembers. “We had a dream. We wanted to change F1, but also win races and world titles. We have succeeded. Our progress has been phenomenal. Every individual has played a key role in this. It is a team sport. Without good people you are nowhere .”
Horner under pressure
Whether Horner himself can still join in the celebration remains to be seen. The team leader is under heavy pressure after internal accusations about inappropriate behavior. Horner’s position is shaky, but the team leader was prominently present at the presentation of the RB20. He fiercely disputes the allegations.
NOSThe cars at a glance
“I don’t find it difficult to stand here. I am proud of this team and still feel overwhelming support from everyone involved, including the drivers and sponsors. I deny all accusations. There is now an investigation in which I am fully cooperating. How long will that take? I have no idea. It is a private matter about which I cannot and do not want to say anything further. Hopefully we can move on quickly.”
The tired-looking Horner has more text about the sporting opportunities in 2024. “That is my focus.” He predicts more competition.
“The best way to motivate the rivals is to beat them. We did that. Last year was magical. I’m sure that’s why they are armed to the teeth. Ferrari and Mercedes, but also McLaren and Aston Martin. We have the best “F1 car of all time made even better. Yes, there were real weaknesses on the RB19. Every car has areas for improvement.”
Verstappen about the switch from Hamilton to Ferrari
“I get it. It is a great brand that has achieved a lot in this sport. If your dream is to one day race for Ferrari, such a switch ultimately makes sense. I don’t feel that need myself. I don’t have to necessarily to another team, even if I win more titles here. My mind is not in it.”
“I don’t know the ins and outs of the discussions, so it is difficult for me to judge. The timing does surprise me because Hamilton and Mercedes have to spend a year together. As a driver, you are no longer allowed to attend some meetings. “
“Max will not respond to questions about Christian and the ongoing investigation,” warns his PR officer prior to a meeting with the Dutch press. The questions focus on the new car, but the world champion does not yet have a real first impression of the RB20.
NOSThe last spots are removed before the photo session
“The first meters are always beautiful and exciting, but it was quite wet. I only drove with rain tires. Little grip. That makes it difficult to say anything meaningful about it.”
Verstappen went skiing
Verstappen is also vague about the differences between the RB19 and the RB20. “At least the colors are the same,” he jokes. “I never put much stock in it launches. You never see a car as it really is. That only happens in Bahrain. I haven’t looked at the other teams at all.”
“I feel good, I am relaxed and I had a nice skiing holiday. Lots of fresh air, nice and cold,” the champion looks back on his winter. “I haven’t thought much about F1. I hadn’t done skiing in about five years. I was looking forward to it and I really don’t go around the track like an idiot. Moreover, you can also slip and break something in the shower or get hit by a car. when you cross the street.”
