2023 Japanese Grand Prix (Verstappen's Record Title)

Lore & Background

The RB21, which was powered by the Honda RBPTH003 power unit, is the last Red Bull Racing car to be powered by Honda RBPT-badged engines. The RB21 was the first Red Bull Racing car since the RB2 to not be designed by former Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, and the first car to be designed by Technical Director Pierre Waché who oversaw both the design and production process. Two mid-season upgrades were introduced: first a package at Imola, and the second at Monza. The car achieved eight wins, fifteen podiums, eight pole positions, and three fastest laps in Grands Prix, plus two sprint wins, all with Verstappen.

In Their Own Story

Under Suzuka's heavy, humid air, the lights flickered out and Max Verstappen launched into the iconic first hairpin with surgical precision. The RB19 didn't just drive; it hunted, humming like a coiled spring beneath him as he carved through the field. By lap 20, the gap wasn't merely insurmountable to his rivals—it felt detached from history itself. As he crossed the finish line, the roar of the crowd merged with the mechanical symphony of the engine. He didn't need to glance at the timing screens; the silence of his competitors and the weight of the hat on his head confirmed it before the trophy was even lifted: the dynasty was no longer a possibility, but a reality.

Reader's Guide

The RB21 followed the WDC-winning RB20. Red Bull had a turbulent season: the car was initially off the pace of the pace-setting McLaren MCL39. While Verstappen remained competitive by opening the season with a podium in Australia, and taking victories in Japan and Imola, the second seat fared much worse: Lawson initially held the seat until China, after which he was demoted back to Racing Bulls and replaced by Tsunoda. Persistent issues with the car, coupled with the underperformance of Tsunoda, resulted in Red Bull getting knocked out of contention after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Verstappen brought himself back into contention for the Drivers' Championship after winning the United States, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, taking three consecutive victories. However, he was unable to secure the title with title rival Lando Norris securing it at the latter event by two points.

Did You Know?

• The RB21 is the last Red Bull Racing car to be powered by Honda RBPT-badged engines.
• The RB21 was the first Red Bull Racing car since the RB2 not designed by Adrian Newey.
• Verstappen scored all eight wins, fifteen podiums, eight pole positions, and three fastest laps for the RB21.