F1 team review - Red Bull

"Red Bull made huge steps forward in 2009 - particularly in producing what is probably the best car of the season.

"They were the quickest car that did not have the controversial double-diffuser at the start of the year - and second only to Brawn.

"And after building their own version of that part, they emerged as, on balance, the leading team in the second half of the season as well, with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber winning a further two races each to add to the German's early-season victory in the rain in China.

"Each one of those wins was a tour de force for the driver in question.

"Everyone was delighted when Webber broke his duck in Germany, despite a drive-through penalty.

"He had been around a long time, he had come back from a bad accident in the off-season.

"He is one of the elder statesmen in terms of representing the drivers in a caring and professional way. So well done to Mark - who also bolted the Brazilian Grand Prix on to that. It has been a milestone season for him, as it has been for the team.

"The team handled having two competitive drivers very well, and out of a desire to be fair and sporting they did not impose team orders. The downside of that approach was that it probably took away from their ability to win the constructors' championship.

"It will, though, be difficult for Red Bull to be contenders again next season. What they have got is continuity with drivers and designers, so they'll be quick.

"But their Achilles' heel could be the unreliability of their engine, if they stay with Renault - it cost them dearly this year.

"In this day and age, with the restriction on the engine performance, their should not be failures. They've had their fair share. Their championship next year depends upon the engine's ability to be strong and reliable."

Can you explain your team's philosophy in three words?
Totally different to others. That's four words but...

Why do Red Bull race?
Ultimately to win. That's why the company entered grand prix racing and built up Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology and winning is the ultimate goal.

RED BULL FACTS AND STATS Drivers: Mark Webber Sebastian Vettel Nationality: British and Austrian Headquarters Milton Keynes (UK) Debut season 2005 Team owner: Dietrich Mateschitz Team principal: Christian Horner Chief technical officer: Adrian Newey Engine: Renault V8 2009 position: 2nd Constructors' titles: 0

What is special about Red Bull?

I think its dynamic approach to F1 and the boundaries that it has broken down.

It has brought a huge sense of fun and energy to the sport both in and outside the paddock and is not constrained by the corporate guidelines that some of the other manufacturer teams are.

What is the team's status is in Formula 1?
Red Bull are one of the younger teams but we are a team that emerged during the course of 2009 and future years to be a real force to be reckoned with.

It's important that we keep moving forwards.

What is the team's image?
It's a young and exciting team and we have a young and exciting driver (Sebastian Vettel) in the team. Everybody can recognise the potential and now we need to convert potential into results.

Why should people support Red Bull?
Because, we give fans the chance to get closer to the sport - Red Bull is more than a team and a car, it is a lifestyle, which we want the fans to be part of.

When Red Bull joined Formula 1, it brought a fresh approach with the Red Bulletin paddock newspaper, Energy Station and Formula Una girls - we like to do things differently and that will continue.

If your team were an animal what would it be?
Obviously a Red Bull.

What does a team boss do?
Ultimately he has responsibility for the day-to-day running and operation of the team.

What is the most difficult thing about being a team boss?
Everyday there is a different challenge covering a vast array of different topics, but that is what makes the job so interesting.

Are you worried about the future of F1?
Not at all. With the new and exciting drivers hopefully it will just get better and better.

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