The 2021 season proved to be a game-changing year for Red Bull. It ended the long dominance of Lewis Hamilton in F1, winning back-to-back championships after Max Verstappen sealed his first championship.
It also started Red Bull laying a foundation for their 2022 season, which they dominated by winning 17 races of the 23. The Milton-Keynes-based team is touted as the favourites to defend their championship next year.
So much was the significance of the 2021 season that Red Bull kept everything at stake. Even overspending on the budget cap brought them a hefty fine and a considerable deduction in their wind tunnel time.
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Red Bull only benefitted marginally from Max Verstappen winning his championship in 2021
In the 2021 season, Red Bull was guilty of spending $2 million over the budget cap, but it was deemed a minor breach. However, spending more than what they were allowed, Red Bull only made a marginal profit in 2021.
According to RaceFans, Red Bull only had a profit of $1.75 million. However, there’s some good news. It was progress for them as it was twice compared to what they made in 2020. Though it was the pandemic year and several businesses suffered due to it should be considered.
With performative improvement on the track, Red Bull saw a rise in its finances. It can all be attributed to their rising fanbase and the rising charisma of Verstappen.
Where is Red Bull headed in 2023?
From 2021, Red Bull has progressed from missing the constructors’ title by a mile to being the best team on the grid. They surely enter the new season as the favourites as they have adapted most efficiently to the new regulations.
But Ferrari and Mercedes would be eyeing to snatch away the glory from them. Mercedes claims that it will improve and contest for the title in 2023. Whereas Ferrari reportedly has the strongest engine and claims to work on its 2022 shortcomings.
So, if they stand up to what they are speaking, F1 could enter the three-horse race next season. It wouldn’t be pleasing for Red Bull, but it would be incredible for fans and the sport.
As of now, the following season will have 23 races as China has backed out from the calendar year. The season is long. Anything can happen, especially when the budget caps are on the run.
