Max Verstappen’s 13th victory of the season at the 2023 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday saw his Oracle Red Bull Racing team secure the quickest-ever constructors’ title in Formula One history as the Dutchman hailed “a rocket ship of a car”.
The two-time drivers’ world champion, started on pole position at Suzuka, survived a dramatic first lap with the two McLarens attempting to pass and pulled away – despite Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car periods – to help make history for the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
Mexican teammate Sergio Pérez’s race ended on lap 15 due to collisions. However, his 223 points this season helped the team add to their previous constructors’ titles in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2022.
Max Verstappen, Driver, Red Bull Racing
What an incredible weekend! It’s been a massive Team effort; many people are involved in getting us to where we are today. You only see very few people here at the track; many people work tirelessly at the factory to ensure we are always performing at our highest. We are showing pure dominance this year; we can all be incredibly proud. It was fantastic to see the Team celebrating in the garage on the track TVs during my in-lap. We’re enjoying it, but we won’t take anything for granted.
Sergio Pérez, Driver, Red Bull Racing:
It would have been nice to clinch the Championship differently. It has been an incredible year, and I am so happy for the Team today. My race was not straightforward; unfortunately, we had a poor start, and everything went downhill. The collisions caused too much damage, so we brought the car in to assess. After fixing the car, we then had a penalty to serve, which we did, and then brought the car in. Despite this, it has been an excellent day for the whole team, and finally, getting that title is exceptional. I am proud of every single one of the team; they have done a tremendous job.
CHRISTIAN HORNER – CEO and Team Principal, Red Bull Racing
Once again, it was a phenomenal performance from the team. I have been saying it all year, but this kind of season would be impossible without the hard work behind the scenes from all the different departments back at Milton Keynes and here at the track. From the crazy hours they work through to the relentless pursuit for better, it is a genuine team effort and one to be immensely proud of. So that is six for us and a fantastic moment for the team. We will take tonight to celebrate and regroup tomorrow as we look towards Qatar and a possible driver Championship. Only a Red Bull driver can win it now, so more celebrations will come in what can only be described as a monumental season in the team’s history. Ichiban Red Bull Racing. Arigato Japan!
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