The history of the Red Bull F1 team
Jaguar's mounting financial problems spelt the end of the British manufacturer in Formula 1 at the end of 2004. Through owner Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull had been a sponsor for individual drivers for several years. At the start of 2005, two Red Bull cars sat on the grid in Australia, with veterans David Coulthard and Christian Klien behind the wheel. The cooperation with Renault as an engine supplier started in 2007. In 2009, the team's period of glory began when Sebastian Vettel joined as a young talent alongside the veteran Mark Webber.
While Vettel narrowly missed out on the title in 2009 (Jenson Button won by only 11 points from Vettel), Red Bull started a dominant period in 2010. Due to the innovative use of exhaust gases, Red Bull found a significant aerodynamic advantage. This resulted in all F1 titles between 2010-2013 being won by Vettel and Red Bull Racing.
Rivals Mercedes aced the 2014 turbo-hybrid engine regulation changes, and Red Bull couldn’t match their performance. Red Bull switched to Honda engines for the start of the 2019 Formula 1 season, and results slowly improved. Horner’s team made a big jump for the start of the 2021 F1 season, and Max Verstappen successfully battled Lewis Hamilton to win their first World Championship since 2013. Together with Verstappen, Red Bull Racing are leading the charge and are seemingly entering another dominant period of F1.
Red Bull in 2024
Red Bull won both World Championships in 2023 with six Grands Prix and two sprint races to spare. Red Bull wrapped up the constructors championship in Japan, and Max Verstappen became 2023 World Champion in Qatar. Red Bull are favourites for the 2024 World Championships, but everyone has been looking at the RB19. With RB20, Red Bull hope to maintain their dominance in F1.
During the 2024 winter break, news emerged of an investigation into Horner. A female colleague at Red Bull Racing came forward with allegations regarding inappropriate behaviour. Red Bull hired an independent lawyer, who investigated the situation. This included an interview with Horner, which lasted several hours in London. A report was produced. During the media day ahead of the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, Red Bull GmbH released a statement which cleared Horner of the allegations.
The shockwaves felt from this turmoil are still on going. But despite that, Red Bull Racing only dropped one point (fastest lap) in the opening two races of the 2024 season. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finished 1-2 in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Red Bull went on to achieve their 100th pole position during the Chinese Grand Prix.
Who drives the Red Bull car?
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will drive the Red Bull car during the 2024 Formula 1 season. It will be their fourth season together as a teammate duo. Verstappen has been racing for Red Bull since May 2016 and will continue to do so until at least 2028. Perez’s contract expires at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, but he must ensure he is closer to Verstappen this season to ensure the contract is fulfilled.
Which engine will Red Bull use?
Red Bull Racing will use a Honda RBPT (Red Bull powertrains) engine for the 2024 F1 season. The engine was developed by Honda, but they decided to pull out of Formula 1. Red Bull didn’t opt to join another engine manufacturer but instead set up their own factory in Milton Keynes. The engine freeze meant that development wasn’t required. Honda decided to reinstate their partnership with Red Bull for 2023 but, earlier in the year, announced a deal with Aston Martin for when the new engine regulations launch in 2026.
