Formula 1
RED BULL CELEBRATE THE QUICKEST CONTRUCTOR’ TITLE IN FORMULA 1 HISTORY! MAX TAKES HIS 13TH WIN AND SHARES THE PODIUM WITH MCLAREN DRIVERS NORRIS AND PIASTRI.
Max Verstappen’s 13th victory of the 2023 season at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday saw his Oracle Red Bull Racing team secure the quickest ever constructors’ title in Formula One history as the Dutchman hailed “a rocket ship of a car”.
SUZUKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 24: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL60 Mercedes and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL60 Mercedes going into the first corner at the start of the race during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 24, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool.
The two-time drivers’ world champion started on pole position at Suzuka, survived a dramatic first lap with the two McLarens attempting to pass and pulled away – despite Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car periods – to help make history for the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
After he crossed the finish line, CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner said over the radio, “You were 19.4s ahead of the rest of the field and that wins our sixth constructors’ championship.”
The 25-year-old responded, “What an unbelievable championship we are having. You can all be very proud back at the factory and here at the track. You’ve given me a rocket ship of a car.”
Mexican teammate Sergio Pérez’s race ended on lap 15 due to collisions, however his 223 points so far this season helped the team add to their previous constructors’ titles in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2022.
SUZUKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 24: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and his team celebrate their Constructors’ Championship win in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 24, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool.
MAX: “What an incredible weekend! It’s been a massive Team effort, there are a lot of people involved in getting us to where we are today. You only really see very few people here at track, there are lots of people working tirelessly at the factory to make sure we are always performing at our highest. What we are showing this year is pure dominance, we can all be extremely proud. It was an amazing feeling to see the Team celebrating in the garage on the track TVs during my in-lap. We’re definitely enjoying it but we won’t take anything for granted.”
SUZUKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 24: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 24, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool.
CHRISTIAN HORNER – CEO and Team Principal
“Once again it was a phenomenal performance from the team. I have been saying it all year, but really, this kind of season would be impossible without the hard work that goes on behind the scenes from all the different departments both back at Milton Keynes and here at track. From the crazy hours that they work through to the relentless pursuit for better, it is a true team effort and one to be immensely proud of. So that is six for us and an amazing moment for the team. We will take tonight to celebrate and regroup tomorrow as we look towards Qatar and a possible driver Championship. Only a Red Bull driver can win it now so there will be more celebrations to come in what can only be described as a monumental season in the team’s history. Ichiban Red Bull Racing. Arigato Japan!”