2013 Team Reviews: Red Bull

The Team Review series draws to a close, but not before the World Champions, Infiniti Red Bull Racing are placed under the microscope. 2013 was an incredible year for the Milton Keynes based team, as the now four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, notched up 13 victories, wrapping up the title in India and claiming an unprecedented nine consecutive wins. With long-time servant of the team Mark Webber announcing his retirement and a dramatic team orders fiasco, 2013 was a year to remember for the Red Bull juggernaut.

New Regulations For Cameramen

Following Paul Allen's horrendous ordeal during the German Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone has introduced new regulations which state that television crew personnel must now stand on the pit wall during races, from the Hungarian Grand Prix on-wards. They will join the photographers who also take this vantage point, as the FIA and FOM look to increase pitlane safety.
Paul Allen was a victim of a freak incident during Sunday's German Grand Prix. Mark Webber was released from his box before the left rear tyre had been properly attached. Consequently, the tyre was launched down the pitlane and avoided by Lotus and Mercedes mechanics before it struck Allen on the back.

Webber Confirms F1 Retirement

Following months of rumour and speculation, Mark Webber has today confirmed that he will be turning his back on Formula One at the end of the season to team up with Porsche's new sports-car programme. While much of the speculation was triggered by the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix, Webber has maintained that this was not a motive for his final decision.

Horner Honoured With OBE

After leading Red Bull to three consecutive constructors titles, Christian Horner has been recognised for his contribution to motorsport in the Queen's birthday honours list, and is set to receive an OBE. The 39 year-old follows in the footsteps of Red Bull colleague Adrian Newey, who was recognised in the 2012 New Year's honours.
The fact that two of the key members behind the Red Bull operation have received this type of reward is symbolic of the legacy which the dominant team are building. "I'm naturally shocked," Horner said. "It's all a bit unexpected, incredible really."

Vettel Signs Contract Extension

Sebastian Vettel has enjoyed unprecedented success with Red Bull over the past three years and the partnership is now set to continue at least until 2015, as the German has signed a contract extension. The confirmation puts an end to speculation that Sebastian had unofficially agreed to move to Ferrari within the next two seasons.
Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel have been somewhat of a "dream team" in the past four years. The German has become the youngest triple world champion in the history of the sport and at the tender age of 25, his success tops even the likes of Micheal Schumacher when he was at the same stage of his career. Vettel has achieved 28 victories, 38 poles and 50 podiums with Red Bull since his arrival in 2009.

Horner Unfazed By Unpopularity

Following a highly controversial start to 2013, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has stated that he is unfazed by his diminishing popularity, acknowledging that F1 is "not a popularity contest". Christian, alongside driver, Sebastian Vettel, have suffered abject media coverage over the past weeks, yet Horner maintains that success breeds contempt.

The Red Bull Dilemma

Red Bull Racing are a team which have been in the spotlight throughout the whole of this week. Sebastian Vettel's contentious victory in Malaysia has encouraged an array of ex-drivers and principals to speak out, with many demanding Sebastian to be heavily punished. However, Christian Horner is in an almost inescapable dilemma as he has seemingly lost control of the team.
In case you have been living in a cave for the past week, here is a brief recap of the events which have left Red Bull in disarray. Mark Webber led the race and was in a commanding position ahead of Vettel and the two Mercedes.