The start that any team would like. The main protagonist of these three test days in Bahrain is Red Bull picking up where it ended in 2022. The stable world champion in both pilots and manufacturers, with the RB19 he has chosen the path of continuity which, at least for now, seems to pay off.
Speak Horner
Red Bull flies, but we're only at the beginning, like admitted team principal Christian Horner speaking to the microphones of Sky.
Christian, how is it to be back?
“2022 has been an incredible year for us. It was nice to get some rest, particularly over the Christmas period, but we couldn't wait to get started. A lot of work has been done in the factory and seeing the car on the track is really beautiful”.
Coming to the tests, was it a perfect debut?
"It is still early. We are always here to learn: with the RB19 we are talking about a completely new car that follows the design of the RB18. They were positive days, we are satisfied but we still have a lot of work to do”.
How do you describe this RB19: an evolution of the 2022 one?
"Absolutely. In a certain sense, the similarity with the RB18 is also noticeable, but I can guarantee that every area has been modified and optimized. It's part of the end of the Formula 1 process."
One word to describe it?
"Let's hope it's competitive."
Honestly, after these days do you feel like the strongest team on the track?
“It is very difficult to interpret the tests. I can tell you that we have a good car, but Ferrari is also doing very well while I think Mercedes has not shown its true cards. We are waiting for the first races to understand the real situation”.
Did the two titles change Max a bit in terms of approach?
“I think you see it: it's a simple matter of trust. He is at the top of his form, drives brilliantly and can combine his talent with the experience he has gained ”.
What do you expect instead from Perez?
“May he build on what he did last year: two victories, lots of points and third place. He has worked hard with his engineers and I am sure he will give his best this year”.
Who will win the first race of the year?
"Let's talk about it in a week when we find out."
