Paul Monaghan does not feel that Red Bull Racing has taken a very big step for the 2023 season of Formula 1, the chief engineer of the Austrian team tells Motorsport Week. Despite Red Bull’s two one-two finishes, Monaghan doesn’t think much has changed from last season.
“It doesn’t feel like we’ve taken a giant step,” said Red Bull’s chief engineer. “There was genuine concern, as you approach a first test and a first race, whether we are as competitive as we want to be. With all the brilliant people in Milton Keynes we will make the best car possible, we will make the progress we can. But we really are judged by our opposition, aren’t we? If our opposition takes a bigger step, we won’t come out on top.’
Red Bull not flawless in Jeddah
Monaghan points to the competition from Red Bull, which is actually lacking. At the moment, Fernando Alonso seems to be able to offer the biggest competition, even though he has finished third by a long way in the first two races. However, it does not alter the fact that Red Bull did not have a flawless weekend in Saudi Arabia, in which Max Verstappen retired during qualifying with a broken drive shaft.
It reminds Red Bull that the team should not become complacent, Monaghan emphasises. “We are in this situation because of the talent in Milton Keynes. Obviously we have to hold on to that now, others will try to get us. There is room for them to pass us. It’s really a matter of not resting on our laurels, not getting complacent. We’ve seen what happens when we make a little mistake. It’s anything but a foregone conclusion.’
