Formula 1 | Red Bull prepares for new normal but Horner still has questions

Like all F1 teams, Red Bull Racing is preparing for the start of the 2020 F1 season marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions, in camera, barrier gestures, many things will change in the paddock, and Christian Horner, team manager, wants to be confident about the preparation work done.

“The shooting day at Silverstone allowed us to run 100 km with our 2020 F1, so we made good use of it with Alex and the racing team, who were all tested before going to the track” recalls Horner. “And it was interesting trying to get used to a one-way system in the garage, by following arrows on the floor, which is totally alien to everyone.”

“From an operational standpoint, we have also carried out some virtual races with the pit wall, so that when we arrive in Austria, we will be perfectly prepared. That said, some drivers will be rusted, which could give an exciting start to the race. because there will inevitably be mistakes. “

Horner congratulates Red Bull and in particular its owner Dietrich Matschitz for having obtained the right to start the season with two races at Spielberg.

“Helmut (Marko) and I have been in regular contact with the Red Bull Ring. They have worked hard with F1 and the FIA, and have made every effort to ensure that both races take place in Austria. model for the races that follow and all the precautions are in place to resume racing safely. “

“Dietrich is passionate about F1 and has invested a lot in the sport over the past 25 years, with two teams and a racing circuit. All the credit therefore comes from having obtained from the Austrian government that it supports this race by making so that the Red Bull Ring hosts what is now the first Grand Prix of the season. “

Finally, the Briton did not forget to thank the members of his team, and wondered about certain obvious procedures.

“As a team there are also a lot of changes. These many operational procedures required a monumental effort on the part of all team members to update them, and sacrifices were also made by the staff of the racing team as they will be subject to severe restrictions when in other countries. “

“The strangest thing is going to the grid or following the post-race procedure. What do we do? You will elbow someone after the race if you have a good result “There is always a lot of emotion when you are at the end of a Grand Prix, especially if you are lucky enough to get a result, and it will test everyone’s discipline.”

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