Red Bull Racing rewrote Formula One history with unparalleled success achieved during the dominant 2023 season. Barring one weekend in Singapore, the team won every race of the season and defended the constructors’ championship title by a comfortable margin. Not only that, but Max Verstappen also secured his third championship title, thus contributing heavily to Red Bull’s glorious year.
What made Red Bull a lethal force in 2023 was its car, the RB19. The machinery was an absolute beast and one of a kind the sport had never witnessed before. It gained many tenths on straights and was nearly invincible with the DRS. Having said that, weeks after the conclusion of the 2023 season, team boss Christian Horner opened up on a key aspect that set RB19 apart from its peers.
Reduction In Weight Of RB19 Helped Red Bull Garner Extraordinary Success!
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, the pursuit of perfection is an ever-evolving process. However, for Red Bull Racing, the RB19 marked a turning point in their quest for excellence. Team principal Christian Horner recently shed light on a key component that played a pivotal role in transforming the RB19 into a formidable racing machine, unleashing its potential on the track. Firstly, Horner revealed how the team stayed behind its peers in adapting to the 2021 regulation change since they were competing with Mercedes for the championship. Thus, the team chose to keep the design same for the 2023 car, the RB19.
However, one aspect where Red Bull gained an edge over its rivals was the weight of the car. Christian Horner revealed that the drink-based outfit managed to shed 20 kilograms from RB19, which made a significant difference. “I think that (weight) was probably the fundamental difference between the 2022 car and the 2023 car,” said Horner. Earlier, Max Verstappen reckoned how modern-day F1 cars should go lighter to induce overtaking chances. Heavy machinery is tougher to move and also highly unpredictable in nature. Thus, the drink-based outfit seemed to have taken a cue from Verstappen while designing the RB19. Needless to say, the move produced magical results for the team as they recorded a historic season and set the bar higher for the rivals to match.
Christian Horner Lists Red Bull’s Biggest Challenge In Coming Future!
While Red Bull looks invincible for now, team principal Christian Horner is unsure as to how long the team can manage to maintain its dominance. In the latest interview with Sky Sports, Horner said that the team’s homegrown powertrains for the 2026 season will by far be the biggest challenge he has ever encountered in his tenure with the Bulls.
Red Bull parted with engine partner Honda earlier this year to self-produce the power engine for the 2026 season. The 2026 regulations change will alter the power engine requirements. And with limited time at the helm, Horner is feeling the pressure to get the engine right as a first-time producer. “With Red Bull Powertrains coming in 2026, it is by far the biggest challenge that I’ll have in my time in Formula 1,” said Horner.
