Christian Horner has addressed why the Red Bull team, driven by Max Verstappen, faces unpopularity despite their remarkable success in Formula 1. The team, based in Milton Keynes, has been dominant since the introduction of the ground-effect era in 2022, securing multiple championships and setting records in recent seasons, which Horner believes partly fuels the negative sentiment.
Red Bull has dominated Formula 1 since 2021, with Max Verstappen securing four consecutive Drivers’ Championships and the team earning the Constructors’ titles in both 2022 and 2023. This sustained success has placed them at the forefront of the sport, but it has also sparked mixed reactions from fans and rivals alike.
Discussing the perception of Red Bull’s dominance, Christian Horner shared insights in an interview with Planet F1:
“Inevitably, you’re not going to be able to please everybody. Things get played out in the media and so on. But I’ve always been the same person. I’ve always operated the way I operate. I expect 100 per cent, and I’ll give 100 per cent. But sometimes that makes you unpopular with your rivals. The best way to become unpopular in this business is to win, and we’ve done a fair amount of that over the last few years.” Horner said.
The 2022 season was especially dominant for Red Bull, with Verstappen winning 15 of the 22 races and Sergio Perez contributing two victories, bringing the total to 17 wins that year. This level of supremacy has been a key factor in the team‘s strained relationship with some fans and competitors.
Comparing Max Verstappen’s Driving Style to George Russell’s
Max Verstappen has been part of Formula 1 since 2015 and has built a reputation for being an aggressive and determined racer. This approach prompted a comparison to rising star George Russell, who is known for a more measured but equally competitive style. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya commented on their similarities and differences:
“Max is doing an amazing job. He’s an aggressive version of George. George is a quieter guy. He’s a guy that doesn’t take as many risks, but speed-wise, you’ve got to say what George did in Canada with that Mercedes was amazing.”
The current 2025 season has proven to be highly competitive, with both Verstappen and Russell securing wins following early successes by McLaren’s drivers. The spirited rivalry among these drivers is adding a new dimension to the championship battle.
Current Championship Standings Highlight Intense Competition
At this point in the season, Max Verstappen sits third in the drivers‘ standings with 155 points, trailing behind Oscar Piastri, who holds 198 points, and Lando Norris with 176 points. George Russell is close behind Verstappen in fourth place with 136 points. This close points spread indicates a fierce contest among the leading drivers and teams as the season progresses.
With Red Bull and Mercedes continuously developing their cars, Verstappen and Russell are likely to intensify their challenge to McLaren’s Norris and Piastri, keeping fans eager to see how the championship unfolds.