Red Bull Racing, whose car is on display on Local Heroes supporting Race Against Dementia at the Scramble, needs little introduction.
The Milton Keynes team dominated the Formula 1 World Championship, winning four titles in four years with Sebastien Vettel, between 2010 and 2013.
Its Constructors’ form was crushing: in 2011, runner-up McLaren was 153 points behind and in 2013 Mercedes was 236 adrift.
The team has won the past two Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships – 2022 was another 200+ victory margin – and it has the car to beat in 2023.
Red Bull Racing, it is worth remembering, still isn’t even 20 years old. Its lineage stretches back somewhat further to Stewart Grand Prix, race winners that shone briefly but fairly brightly. Ford became increasingly involved and took over, using the F1 platform to promote its Jaguar arm.
Little success was forthcoming as only big-money signing Eddie Irvine reached the podium, and not even Mark Webber in the line-up at Milton Keynes for the final two years could elevate them.
He returned three years later to partner David Coulthard at what was now Red Bull Racing, and those experienced heads helped turn the ship towards some success. Adrian Newey struck gold with the RB5 and protege Vettel, who had been promoted to the top team from feeder squad Toro Rosso, used his ruthless ability to lead an era of dominance not seen since another German superstar.
Max Verstappen is showing similar traits, and could be on course for his own period of dominance. He is halfway to Vettel’s four-in-a-row wins and just 25 years of age.
Red Bull Racing’s RB18 show car will be on display as part of Local Heroes in support of Race Against Dementia, Sir Jackie Stewart’s charity that aims to cure and prevent the crippling disease.
You can find out more and donate via its website.
With thanks to Red Bull Racing and also Lewis Fox