Max Verstappen and Red Bull admit it is unlikely they will repeat the success both driver and team have enjoyed in 2022.
After clinching his second Formula 1 world championship back in Japan, the Dutchman ended the season in impressive fashion with victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The result means Verstappen has set new records for the most wins (15) and most points (454) by a driver in a single year.
And speaking post-race at Yas Marina, he hopes to push on in pursuit of a third straight title in 2023.
“Incredible to win again here. The 15th win of the season, it’s unbelievable,” Max said.
Simply sublime ? 15 wins in a season ? #AbuDhabiGP ?? pic.twitter.com/E7q6pBjsDG
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 20, 2022
“It’s been really enjoyable to work with the whole team and to be able to achieve something like this, this year.
“I know it’s going to be hard to replicate something like this but it’s also very good motivation to try and do well again next year.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner echoed his driver, highlighting the incredible achievements of the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
“It’s been an unbelievable year. There’s been ups and downs, but there’s been a lot more ups and we’ll struggle ever to match this year,” he said.
“It’s remarkable what Max has managed to achieve and the steady progress that he’s made. Still only 25 years of age, he’s getting better, he’s still learning, and I think he’ll just continue to improve and improve.
“I think for the team – 17 victories, two sprint race wins, Drivers’ championship, Constructors’ championship, Checo third in the Drivers’. He drove like a lion as well today.
“Particularly in a year when we lost our founder Dietrich [Mateschitz], I think he would have been very proud of the results that we’ve managed to achieve.”
But his biggest praise was for Verstappen, who bounced back from two retirements in the first three races to claim the title by 146 points, the second biggest in F1 history.
“I think Max has been on another planet this year,” he said.
“For Max, becoming world champion last year, carrying that number one on the car, he’s driven with such conviction this year, and he’s defended the title in such a dominant fashion.
“It’s been a joy to see him reach another level this year.”