Christian Horner Fears Red Bull Might Lose Unique F1 Standing in 2022 Season

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted that Formula 1 pit stops will increase in time because of the new 2022 cars. The team recorded the top eight pit stops last year with a best of 1.88s. They have increased the overall weight of the cars from 752kg to 795kg this season.

Horner believes that Red Bull’s impressive pit stops will be much harder with the new regulations. Moreover, the F1’s DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award has been won by Red Bull in the last 4 years. The Brit spoke about the new 2022 cars saying, “The pit stops have been slowed a little bit. The wheels are heavier, obviously, we’ve got the wheel disc in them now.”

“So I doubt we’re going to get sub two seconds stops, but hopefully we can get into the low twos, that would be that’d be really solid.”

“These cars are massive, they are like boats, particularly in these low-speed corners,” he said. “They are almost 800kgs, they’re 50kgs heavier than last year, they are bigger and longer,” added Horner.

Red Bull will begin this season as favorites after winning their first Drivers’ title since 2013. However, the Constructors’ Championship will be right on top of the list this season.

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Will Red Bull End the Mercedes Dominance?

Red Bull has looked superb in the new RB18, with drivers Sergio Perez and reigning champion Max Verstappen hoping to continue their impressive partnership from 2021. Verstappen has switched to ‘No. 1’ after claiming his maiden title win. However, the duo was unable to outperform in 2021, despite winning 11 races last season.

Mercedes have struggled in pre-season with teams like Ferrari and McLaren showing glaring pace in the new cars. However, with the new regulations, it could take a few races for teams to get up to speed. The season begins at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20th, followed by Saudi Arabia.

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Red Bull has a huge advantage ahead of the 2022 season. They have to be wary of potential new threats while hoping that Verstappen can continue his form alongside Perez. The 2022 F1 season will be an exciting battle with ‘closer racing’ expected more than ever.