Report: 2nd and 3rd for Red Bull with a sense of unfinished business

On the evening of the seventh race of the season in Turkey, the prevailing feeling at Red Bull must be joy. Quite simply, because the team collected fourteen new points. Thus, they closed the gap with Brawn GP by four points. Red Bull is undeniably the second force on the grid.

The two drivers find themselves on the podium after an hour and 30 minutes of racing, but unlike in China, it’s Mark Webber who is ahead of Sebastian Vettel, and more importantly, it’s only the 2nd and 3rd places that were achieved. Because, here’s the thing, Red Bull and Vettel had all the cards in hand to win this Grand Prix, so there’s a bit of frustration tonight.

Mark Webber – 2nd:

A good race. I knew I had to stay on track as long as possible during my first stint. I managed to do an extra lap by saving fuel, which helped me gain some time. I knew Sebastian [Vettel]’s strategy. Jenson Button was on another planet! So the second stint was crucial, and I had to push really hard. When you’re on a different strategy, the other driver is practically invisible until the pit stops.

Sebastian Vettel – 3rd:

« The start went well, I was in front but I lost control of the car around turns 9 and 10 on the first lap. It’s a big mistake. It was very difficult to come back, but I think without that mistake, there wouldn’t have been a big difference, because Jenson was too fast today. I found myself behind Jenson, who was heavier in the second stint, which allowed Mark Webber to move ahead. However, it’s a good result for the team and I think we can be satisfied with the second and third places.

Christian Horner – Team Principal:

« A good team and a good result today, the second and third places give us more points in the Constructors’ Championship. Mark had a very strong race today without any mistakes. He did a good job to finish second. Unfortunately for Sebastian, after a good start and leading on the first lap, he made a small mistake that allowed Jenson to pass. Our only chance to beat Jenson was a three-stop strategy. Unfortunately, this did not work out for Sebastian today, and the lost time is the difference between second and third position. »