Christian Horner, Red Bull Formula 1 boss, has reiterated his criticism of Mercedes’ Silverstone celebrations. He stood for his team’s comments, which many believes were too “personal”.
Red Bull showed its irksome on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collision at British Grand Prix. It was infuriated on it rival team for celebrating their victory while Verstappen was at hospital.
Verstappen considered the celebration as “disrespectful” from Hamilton. Helmut Marko, Red Bull motorsport advisor, launched a scathing response to Mercedes celebration. He called it the teams’ “style”, while the Dutch driver was undergoing tests.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, responded to Red Bull’s aggressiveness. He believes RB has gone a step too far and became “personal”
Read More: Red Bull parted ways with its racist employee
Horner stands by his team
Horner penned his opinion on Red Bull site in post-race column. He believes that Mercedes shall have informed the Hamitlon about his rival situation before celebrations.
“I am…still disappointed about the level of celebrations enjoyed in the wake of the accident,” wrote Horner.
“The Mercedes team were aware of the gravity of the crash with Max widely reported as having been hospitalised and requiring further checks.
“It is unimaginable not to inform your driver of the situation. Moreover to protect your driver in case they do not show the necessary restraint in celebrating. Particularly, when it was as a result of an incident he was penalised for.”
Horner also defended his and the team’s comments and rejected the notion that they were very aggressive.
“I would like to respond to some comments I have seen from Toto, who is quoted as saying our comments regarding Hamilton having caused the accident were ‘so personal’,” said Horner.
“The narrative that Max was being ‘overly aggressive’ at that stage was unjustified.
“I would like to make it clear. This was an on-track incident between two of the best drivers in the world.
“At the point in time when you have a driver in hospital and the extent of any injuries have not yet been made clear. Your car has been written off and the stewards have penalised the driver seen to be responsible. It is natural that emotion comes into play, for all involved, whether you feel wronged or victorious.
“I also felt the narrative that Max was being ‘overly aggressive’ at that stage was unjustified. You only have to look at the fact Max has zero penalty points on his licence. He has not been found guilty of any on-track misjudgements in recent years.”
