Sebastian Vettel is presently the most successful driver in the history of Red Bull’s F1 team. The German race driver got the Milton-Keynes-based outfit four championships before he headed for Ferrari.
His 2013 title triumph was easily his most dominant among all four. In that season, he won 13 races, a record number until Max Verstappen recently broke in 2022 with 15 wins in a year.
That year he also made a record of winning nine races in a row, which is still unbroken. These figures make Vettel an absolute legend for Red Bull and are a big reason for their meteoric rise.
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Red Bull was fined because of Sebastian Vettel
In 2013, Vettel cemented his championship in India. The German ended up doing doughnuts in front of the large crowd and gave them a big reception, as it was the last F1 race in India. However, the F1 bosses weren’t happy.
🍩 #NationalDonutDay@redbullracing #F1 pic.twitter.com/6ZLqQsf2Hw
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 2, 2017
Because of the stunts done by Vettel brought a hefty fine of $36,000 to Red Bull. Though, a small price to pay as the former F1 driver brought them a championship victory comprehensively.
The stewards also showed leniency to Vettel, considering he was celebrating his title success. On the other hand, the German race driver claimed that his celebration wasn’t planned and was out of impulse.
Will Max Verstappen eclipse him?
With Max Verstappen’s rise with Red Bull, another possible Red Bull domination is predicted. The Dutchman has already named two championships with them, and Christian Horner even calls the 2021 drivers’ championship bigger than the four titles won by Vettel.
Thus, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Verstappen has brought in a renaissance at Milton Keynes. But will this success continue? That can’t be guaranteed under the new regulations.
So far, Red Bull seems to be nailing the new aerodynamics regulation. But their CTO Adrian Newey claims the recent 20% deduction penalty given by FIA to Red Bull could cost them multiple tenths of a second every lap.
It remains to be seen how much truth is there in that statement. On the other hand, the cost cap is another obstacle to continued dominance in F1 on paper. Only 2023 can prove it right if any other team closely challenges for the title.
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