Ahead of the FIA announcing Red Bull’s penalty for breaching the F1 cost cap in 2021, Christian Horner listed the financial restraints as one of the hardest part of their triumphant 2022 season.
Max Verstappen claimed his second world title with an imperious drive at the Japanese Grand Prix but that could only last 24 hours, as the FIA could strip his 2021 title as Red Bull are being investigated for salary cap breaches.
“It’s just been phenomenal,” Horner told the press when asked about the achievement of the 2022 season.
“To do what we did last year and to turn up with a car as competitive as we have, being the last team to transition onto it and the massive pressure this year, with all of the cost cap and everything else, there’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears go into it.
“I think everybody within the factory within Red Bull all of our partners, all of our technical partners, they’ve just stepped it up another gear this year.”
Power of Dreams
Horner was even happier to clinch the title in Japan, home of Honda. Red Bull‘s official engine supplier for three seasons, they left the sport at the end of 2021 but Red Bull continue to use their engines in a supply deal.
In the lead-up to the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix it was announced Red Bull and AlphaTauri would continue to sport the Honda logo for the next three years.
There’s also been rumours that Honda could return to F1 from 2026 when new engine regulations kick in.
And Honda Racing’s Yasuaki Asaki was on the podium in Suzuka to collect the constructors’ trophy.
“You couldn’t have written a better script,” Horner added. “To win here, Honda confirming their participation over the next three years and Asaki-san, he’s been one of those heroes behind the scenes within the Honda organisation.
“And within the HRC I felt it only right for him to collect the constructor’s trophy today so very proud moment for everybody in HRC.”
