Christian Horner thinks it will be quite difficult for Red Bull Racing to further develop the car this season. The team boss of the Austrian racing stable sees that the team has to deal with the changing culture in Formula 1, because no racing stable can develop the car without consequences. Horner is curious how the relationships will change during the season within this cultural change.
Frédéric Vasseur had already noted that the penalty for Red Bull was too light. At the Austrian racing team, the feeling is clearly different. “I think it will be very difficult for us to develop this car because if you look at the amount of time in percentage terms that we have less than some of our rivals, it’s significant,” Horner is quoted by Formula1.com. ‘But it is as it is. We have to be efficient, effective and selective in what we choose to develop.’
“It’s been a total culture change over the past few years,” the Red Bull team boss refers to the budget cap. In the past, the teams were allowed to use all means to improve the car. Horner sees that this ‘sprint’ has had to make way for caution. “It’s a question of how and where you apply your resources, and of course there are so many variables like damage from crashes, which can have a huge impact on your potential to develop. It will be interesting to see how it will turn out this year.’
Horner sees no problems between Verstappen and Pérez
In addition to the fact that Red Bull has to manage the finances, the team also has to think about both drivers. Horner sees that things are still going well between Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. “They are two competitive drivers, the relationship is good. They both know what responsibilities they have. There are expectations that come with that, but they’re in a good position. They have been a very effective duo for us and I expect this to continue.”
