Horner pays tribute to Red Bull as 2023 title secured in Japan

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has paid tribute to the team after it secured its sixth Constructors' title in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen led from start to finish and crossed the line almost 20 seconds in front of second-placed Lando Norris, sealing Red Bull its sixth Constructors’ Championship in a titanic year for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, who has won all but one race this season.

“It’s been the most amazing race for us, the most amazing year and it's all testimony to these guys and all the men and women back in the factory Milton Keynes,” Horner said.

“To all our partners, it’s the collection of an incredible effort of everybody doing their bit to achieve results like we've done.

“Max is just on another level at the moment, so it was an incredible performance.

“[Honda] has been a great partner for us, and it's very fitting to win this championship here with Honda in front of all the fans here.

“The support we've had the whole weekend has just been phenomenal.”

Not Perez’s day

While Verstappen enjoyed a strong Grand Prix, team-mate Sergio Perez faced a day of woe.

The Mexican had contact with rivals on the run to the first corner before picking up a time penalty for a Safety Car infringement.

He also then had contact with Kevin Magnussen, which resulted in further damage and another time penalty.

“He went through a few front wings today,” Horner reflected.

“From the very start, he got knocked around a bit and then obviously picked up a penalty and [then] the move on Kevin Magnussen.

“It wasn't his day, but he'll bounce back at the next race and you know, he's a big part of the success as well.”