Coulthard identifies key to Red Bull F1 success

13-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner David Coulthard believes that Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner should be credited with the squad’s success.

Red Bull has dominated the 2023 campaign, securing its sixth Constructors’ Championship last month in Japan, winning 15 of the 16 races thus far, with Max Verstappen on the verge of sealing his third Drivers’ title with 13 wins, including 10 straight.

Horner has overseen every one of Red Bull's 107 wins, including its first heyday of success between 2010 and 2013 with Sebastian Vettel who secured four title doubles in a row.

He has been in charge of the team since it entered Grand Prix racing in 2005, and is one of the most successful Team Principals of all-time, working closely with crack designer Adrian Newey - himself the most successful designer in F1 history with the 2023 Constructors' title being his 12th.

‘Horner deserves most of the credit’

Despite the influence of Newey, Coulthard - a Red Bull ambassador - believes it it Horner who has been the glue that has stuck Red Bull together.

"Christian’s been key," Coulthard told Formula1.com.

"Designers, engineers, mechanics and drivers come and go, but the one constant has been Christian.

"I think his out-and-out racing passion, the fact that he was a racer, he wanted to go to the highest level, and he recognised for whatever reason, whether it was a lack of opportunity or talent.

"He then focused on running his own team, which already identified him as a racing entrepreneur, and Red Bull knew him and backed him.

"I think the lion’s share of the credit should absolutely go to Christian [for Red Bull's success]."

Is Coulthard right? Has Christian Horner been the most important key in Red Bull's success in F1? Let us know in the comments below!