2016 Review – Red Bull: A solid season and two victories taken from Mercedes

The important figures

Constructors’ Championship standing: 2nd place

Podiums: 16

Points: 468

Best result: 1st (Verstappen: Spain / Ricciardo: Malaysia)

Best qualification: 1st (Ricciardo: Monaco)

Spectacular beginnings marked by the Spanish boost

Following the first four Grand Prix, it was difficult to see the RB12 competing with the W07 and the SF16-H: only Ricciardo stood out for his consistency. On the other side of the garage, the tension was palpable. Like an episode of Game of Thrones, Helmut Marko metaphorically cut off Kyvat’s head, in order to promote the prodigy Verstappen, incubating within Toro Rosso.

In Spain, Red Bull was starting anew. Max Verstappen immediately had very good qualifications, placing himself behind Ricciardo but ahead of both Ferraris. The race the next day went down in Formula 1 history: Max Verstappen became the youngest winner of the discipline at 18 years, 7 months, and 15 days! Despite struggling with his strategy and a puncture towards the end of the race, the hardest part was yet to come for Ricciardo. On pole in Monaco, he found himself at a loss due to a misunderstanding with his mechanics, who were not there to greet him at his final pit stop. Despite finishing in second place, the disappointment was hard to swallow. His only consolation could be Verstappen’s chaotic race, which ended in the barrier.

The European tour marked a return to business for the brand with the bull. Well and truly in the rhythm, Verstappen achieved two podiums, in Spielberg and Silverstone, each time securing second place.

Following Ricciardo’s third place in Budapest, the two blue and yellow cars pushed Rosberg off the podium in Hockenheim, achieving the first double podium of 2016 for the team based in Milton Keynes.

Importantly, Red Bull simultaneously regained the valuable second place in the constructors’ standings from Ferrari. The upward trend of the Austrian brand continued until Malaysia, where they achieved an unexpected one-two finish at the top. This time, it was Daniel Ricciardo who received the honors of victory. The “honey badger” managed to outmaneuver Verstappen with a robust move, before reclaiming first place after Hamilton’s engine failure.

Always consistent, the end of the season allowed Red Bull to secure four more podiums and Verstappen to showcase all his talent in the rain at Interlagos, with a third place that will be remembered.

Russian Roulette, Dutch Tornado, and Australian Tradition

Let’s give credit where credit is due. Although he only raced under the parent company’s flag for the first four Grand Prix, Daniil Kvyat didn’t only make mistakes. Forced to retire at the starting line in Melbourne, he was fired up in Bahrain but the qualifications were a failure once again (15th). He made up for it in the race (7th) while Ricciardo missed the podium. Despite securing a third place in Shanghai, the Russian fell victim to two controversial starts, in China and especially in Russia. The second incident was fatal for him, as he collided twice in two corners with Vettel’s Ferrari. By sending the Scuderia’s German driver off the track (again), Red Bull’s management made the very severe and questionable decision to put him back in a Toro Rosso seat and promote Max Verstappen.

The promotion surprised everyone, but Max Verstappen was comfortable in the Red Bull from Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix, with the success we know. Quickly, he found his footing in the RB12 and was competing with Ricciardo in qualifying and the race, but the Wallaby still maintained a slight advantage.

Upon arriving at Spa, the Belgian Grand Prix was his first test, and the pressure got the better of his talent. The young Dutchman generated enthusiasm among the crowds and his compatriots, who came in droves to the outskirts of the Spa circuit. Qualified second, he faltered at the start and attempted a daring dive at the inside of the La Source hairpin. Running three-wide with the Ferraris, the protagonists touched, but the incident was deemed a racing incident. The narrative was different when, due to changing trajectories, at full throttle and during the braking phase, he endangered his integrity and that of Kimi Räikkönen at over 300km/h on the Kemmel straight.

He repeated this maneuver, which he had already used in Hungary, in Japan, against Hamilton and this time the FIA authorities finally reacted. A rule was added, called the “Verstappen rule,” which stated that any change of trajectory during the braking phase was prohibited, under penalty of sanction. And paradoxically, it was Vettel who suffered the consequences at the Mexican Grand Prix at the end of October, during a fierce battle… against the Red Bull drivers.

After a challenging 2015 season, at the end of which he finished behind Kvyat, Ricciardo had to turn things around this year. From then on, he confirmed his form by showing consistency, regularly finishing close to the podium. The arrival of Max Verstappen changed very little. Having come very close to victory, his face on the podium in the Principality showed no smile or joy after his team’s huge mistake during the race.

However, these trials have strengthened his character, and the Australian demonstrated all his determination during the European tour, securing three podiums in Hungary, Germany, and Belgium. Forced to endure in Italy due to a less powerful Renault engine, the Perth native made his race finale thrilling in Singapore, coming back like a plane in Nico Rosberg’s mirrors, ultimately finishing just 0.488 seconds behind.

Daniel Ricciardo finally earned his reward in Malaysia, adding to the three other races won in 2014. Very happy, he offered Formula 1 its most festive podium. After drinking champagne from his shoe – the famous “Shoey”, he invited Max Verstappen, Nico Rosberg, and even Mark Webber – who had come to interview the drivers on the spot, to do the same.

By completing all the races this season, Daniel Ricciardo can certainly boast of exemplary consistency. The Australian has definitely not lost his sense of showmanship, as seen in this festive video, perfectly in season!

Happy Holidays from Santa Ricciardo and Elf Maximus! 🎅🎄
Thank you for your support in 2016! 👏 #givesyouwings pic.twitter.com/aRJf2SGg07

— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 21 décembre 2016

A credible contender for both titles in 2017?

During this season, Christian Horner has repeatedly stated that his two drivers are racing for the team. Observers will agree with him, as the dynamics at Red Bull and the synergy between Ricciardo and Verstappen are elevating the team. The Australian and the Dutchman are currently in healthy competition, aided by the lack of a title fight, and the two men get along well. The replacement of Kvyat with Verstappen has invigorated Ricciardo, who could have easily dominated the Russian had he remained in his early-season form within the Austrian team. On the other hand, Verstappen has had the opportunity to sharpen his skills alongside a talented and relatively young driver (27 years old since July 1st) in a top-tier team, which is the primary goal of the Red Bull program.

We therefore expect a great season from Red Bull for 2017. More victories are anticipated, and why not a fight for the title. An opportunity to truly showcase this sparkling duo of drivers, one of the most attractive pairings in the current field!

Remains to be seen if Adrian Newey will be able to create a victorious RB13 from his drawing board, as he did between 2009 and 2013. Motivation seems to be already there!

A Holiday card from us to you! 🎅🎄 #givesyouwings pic.twitter.com/z5r3o11nHY

— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 19 December 2016