The Miami Grand Prix gave us an expected finale.
Despite Max Verstappen’s disadvantageous start from ninth position, the Dutch driver proved once again why he is Red Bull’s diamond, coming through for the victory by passing his team-mate, Sergio Pérez, who started in Pole Position at the beginning of the race.
It’s not only yet another victory for the team in 2023, it is also the fourth race out of five with their drivers on the first and second step of the podium.
When asked by Jenson Button about the incredible performance to start the season and if they’re thinking this is the most dominant car they’ve ever had, Red Bull’s Team Principal Christian Horner, with his usual unfiltered style, had great compliments towards his team as well as questions about the poor performance of all the other top teams.
“Five races, five wins plus the sprint (in Baku), four one-two finishes. We’ve never ever had a start like this. And we’re kind of wondering where are the others?
“We’ve made a normal step over the winter and I think it’s more where did Ferrari and Mercedes go?”
If the transition from Mercedes domination to the next did not initially seem so imminent, and expectations were high for a season of long fights, it is also true that Red Bull is winning points upon points every weekend, making it increasingly difficult for the other teams to try to overtake them later in the year when the impact of Red Bull’s penalty for breaching the cost cap could bite them harder.
“They are working hard on I’m sure big upgrades for (the upcoming races in) Europe and with the penalty we have to develop the car later in the year it’s important for us to get as much fresh air as we can between ourselves and the opposition at this stage.”
Horner’s question will be answered with the arrival of the European races, which will start at the next race weekend at Imola on May 21st.
Photo Credit: @redbullracing
