According to Adrian Newey, Red Bull must not rest on its laurels
Red Bull has won its 12th consecutive victory in Hungary, thus beating McLaren's record from 1988. However, according to Adrian Newey, the team must not rest on its laurels but continue to push for excellence.
The technical director of Red Bull, considered one of if not the greatest designer in Formula 1 history, has warned Red Bull after breaking McLaren’s record.
« When you are in a season, you don’t really think about what’s happening, you think about the next one. We still have a long way to go », he said on the F1 Nation podcast.
Moreover, the British man remembers his 1999 season when he was the technical director of McLaren. That year, despite a strong domination in the early part of the season, it was ultimately Ferrari who won the constructors’ title.
« I remember very well that in 1999, after Mika Häkkinen took the lead at Silverstone, Michael Schumacher broke his leg and, to be completely honest, we fell asleep for the rest of the year and ended up losing the constructor championship, he explained. It’s a situation he doesn’t want to relive, and that’s why he’s warning Red Bull.
« It’s a lesson that no matter how good things seem, you must continue to push and never let go of your efforts. »
Newey savors this record broken
However, this warning does not prevent Adrian Newey from enjoying this record. For someone who has won it all, it’s one more achievement to add to an already well-stocked trophy cabinet.
« It was an incredible adventure, we never could have dreamed of this. Beating this 1988 McLaren is something I never thought we would do, so it’s a tribute to the entire team, the hard work of all the guys, the reliability we have this season. It’s a fantastic tribute. »
For Adrian Newey and Red Bull, there are still records to beat. Max Verstappen can go after the consecutive wins record held by Sebastian Vettel (9). To equal this record, the Dutchman will have to win in Belgium and at home in Zandvoort.
To beat them, we’ll have to go win in Monza, the lair of Ferrari. Furthermore, Red Bull can try to win all the races of the season, which has never been achieved in Formula 1. Only McLaren came close in 1988 by winning 15 out of 16 Grand Prix. 2023 is the season of breaking records for Red Bull, who has no intention of stopping there.
