Christian Horner claims Max Verstappen’s record-breaking 2023 campaign ‘may never be achieved again

The 2023 F1 season lacked competitiveness, with Max Verstappen setting a record by winning 19 out of 23 races. Red Bull won 22 out of 23 races in 2023. However, this season, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari have become more competitive, each winning at least one race.

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner highlighted how special the 2023 season was for Red Bull. He reckoned that what the team achieved and accomplished during that year was truly extraordinary. Horner referred to 2023 as a unicorn year, highlighting that a unique season like that didn’t happen often. He pointed out that such an exceptional performance and dominance in the sport are incredibly rare. This makes the achievements of the team even more remarkable and memorable. Max Verstappen had shattered multiple records last year.

It's only with hindsight that 2023 will become a very special year and what was achieved because it really was, and I keep referring to it, as a unicorn year.

Christian Horner said, as reported by RacingNews365

Christian Horner stated, what they did last year was something that had never been done before and might never be done again. He acknowledged that this year’s F1 season has more competition from other teams. However, the 50-year-old pointed out that despite this, Red Bull still has a significant lead in the Drivers’ championship with over 80 points. Additionally, they have extended their lead in the Constructors’ championship.

What we did last year was never achieved before, and may never be achieved again. So this is far more normal F1, but we still have an 80-something point lead in the drivers' championship and we've extended our lead in the constructors.

Christian Horner stated

Christian Horner claims the 2023 season was less stressful than this year

Christian Horner mentioned that winning races by 30 to 40 seconds in 2023 was less stressful for the team. He explained that when Red Bull had such a large lead, their main focus shifted to ensuring the cars were reliable. Horner stated, they did not worry about close competition, instead they concentrated on maintaining their performance and avoiding any technical issues. This made the races less tense compared to the current competitive season.

When we were winning races by 30 to 40 seconds last year, it was slightly less stressful, But it's weird, because when you're winning races by that margin, you're just focused on reliability and other elements.

Christian Horner explained

Horner further explained that in the current competitive scenario, the team doesn’t have time to focus on the car’s reliability. Their main concern is driving as fast as possible to stay ahead. He mentioned that winning a hard-battle race, where the competition is tough and every second counts, is actually more rewarding. This kind of victory feels better because it shows the team’s skill and effort in overcoming strong rivals. So these challenging races bring a greater sense of achievement.

Now you don't get a chance to think about reliability because it's all about driving flat out. I think it's more rewarding to win a hard-fought race, of course it is.

Christian Horner added

Certainly, Christian Horner feels the 2024 season is more stressful because every team on the grid has made massive developments, giving tough competition to Red Bull. However, the Milton Keynes team leads in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. With half of the season still pending, the champions of the 2024 season are yet to be decided.

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