Horner admits he felt Red Bull’s first win was already job done in F1

Horner’s Admission: Red Bull’s First F1 Win Felt Like Mission Accomplished

Despite the initial belief that Red Bull’s first Formula 1 victory in 2009 marked the end of their mission, Christian Horner admits that the rush of excitement from that triumph fueled their desire for more success. Last weekend, Max Verstappen’s win at the Canadian Grand Prix became Red Bull’s 100th victory in F1, solidifying their position as the fifth-most successful team in the history of the sport.

The current standings of all-time winners are led by Ferrari with 242 victories, followed by McLaren with 183, Mercedes with 125, and Williams with 114. Reflecting on the journey to reach the 100-win milestone, Horner confesses that the first triumph in Shanghai felt like a significant achievement at the time, almost as if Red Bull’s mission in F1 had been fulfilled.

“When we entered the sport, our ambition was to be competitive and compete,” Horner recalls. “Dietrich Mateschitz envisioned Red Bull as more than just a participant; he wanted us to strive for competitiveness. Winning our first race in 2009, four years after joining the sport, left me with a feeling of accomplishment. As I collected the trophy that day and boarded the plane back home, I thought to myself, ‘Well, at least we’ve won one. If nothing else happens, we’ve won a race!'”

Sebastian Vettel secured Red Bull’s inaugural F1 victory at the 2009 Chinese Grand Prix. That victorious moment left such an indelible mark that the team craved for more success. Little did they know that 99 wins later, they would achieve the century mark, marking a significant milestone for the team.

“This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, both on and off the track, as well as the support services,” Horner acknowledges. “Countless unsung heroes have contributed to this incredible accomplishment, making the entire team tremendously proud.”

Horner commends former owner Mateschitz, who passed away last year, for his visionary approach and desire to differentiate Red Bull from other corporate teams in Formula 1. Mateschitz aimed for a unique and enjoyable experience, introducing concepts like the Energy Station and the Red Bulletin, while maintaining a competitive spirit.

“He was a racing enthusiast, a Formula 1 fan, and deeply passionate about the sport,” says Horner. “For Mateschitz and Red Bull, Formula 1 was an ideal platform to market the brand and its products.”

When asked about the key characteristic that propelled Red Bull’s success, Horner emphasizes the people, spirit, and culture within the team. The relentless pursuit of victory, combined with a shared attitude of commitment and passion, sets Red Bull apart.

“At Red Bull, our goal is crystal clear: we want to win and be competitive,” Horner explains. “Every individual gives their utmost and fully embraces this vision. The energy within our factory is palpable, and our unique culture distinguishes us from other teams. We are a racing team—a massive racing team.”

Additional reporting by Adam Cooper.

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