Speaking following yet another dominant performance from Red Bull at last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Horner says the team still need to get a full picture of the RB20.
With the defending champions hitting the ground running in Bahrain for the opening Grand Prix of the 2024 season, it was no surprise to once again see the team take the chequered flag in formation in Jeddah last weekend.
Speaking after what was a near flawless Grand Prix, with the exception of a too-close-for-comfort pit release for Perez which earned the Mexican driver a 5 second penalty, the British boss seemed impressed by the performance. He did note that the adaptability of the RB20 still remains to be seen however, with Albert Park being the next test.
“Well, the cars did converge,” Horner said following the Grand Prix about the gap between his drivers. “Because Checo was eight seconds or nine seconds behind his teammate at the chequered flag, so it was a very strong team performance today.
“It was unfortunate we got the five-second penalty, but thankfully we had enough in hand that it wasn’t going to challenge. It’s great to see RB20 performing very strongly at another type of venue, another surface, another street layout.
“I think Melbourne will be different again. It’s going to take four or five races to get a clear picture, but again, a very strong team performance today, and both drivers did an exceptional job.”
Horner was also asked about the support the team received from Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and new investments Oliver Mintzlaff, who alongside Franz Watzlawick joined the team track side for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. Horner says both men were very supportive of the team.
“Oliver’s been very supportive, but also the other CEO, Franz Watzlawick, you know, there’s three CEOs at Red Bull, and both, the two that were here today, have been very, very supportive. It was good to see them coming and supporting the team.”
