Christian Horner insists Max Verstappen won’t change after once more defending his driver following a collision with Lando Norris finally weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion was handed a 10-second penalty for an incident on lap 64 when the pair have been battling for the lead, resulting in a collision and permitting Mercedes' George Russell to drag away for victory.
Talking at Crimson Bull Racing's headquarters in Milton Keynes forward of this weekend's British Grand Prix, workforce boss Horner backed Verstappen's method and expects nearer racing between him and McLaren rival Norris.
“I perceive they've talked earlier than, I don't assume there's any downside,” Horner stated Sky Sports activities Information. “He definitely received't change from Max's facet.
“I feel there's a component of Lando studying to race with Max, they usually're figuring that out. It's going to inevitably be a tighter race between them as a result of the vehicles look so shut within the coming races.”
“Max is a troublesome racer – he's in all probability one of many hardest racers on the circuit and everybody is aware of that for those who race in opposition to Max, he's going to provide pretty much as good as he can.
McLaren Stella boss Verstappen feedback 'unfair'
Verstappen finally completed fifth in Austria, though the collision ended Norris' race and McLaren workforce boss Andrea Stella was amongst these to criticize the Dutchman amid the meltdown on the Crimson Bull Ring.
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Anthony Davidson was on the SkyPad to provide his verdict on whether or not Max Verstappen or Lando Norris have been chargeable for the crash and each gave up their probabilities of victory.
Nevertheless, Horner refuted Stella's declare that this was a direct results of Verstappen not being penalized for incidents when he and Lewis Hamilton have been battling for the world title three years in the past.
“He raced extremely arduous in 2021, he's a troublesome racer and he didn't actually race anybody for 2 years as a result of he was thus far forward,” Horner stated.
“The battle between the 2 of them constructed up for 2, three, 4 races the place they raced one another shut and arduous and sooner or later it at all times spilled over – and it did at Flip 3.
“He was punished in 2021 if he did one thing mistaken, identical to Lewis, who he raced so arduous in opposition to that yr, for issues he did mistaken.
“I feel it's mistaken and unfair to label a driver like that and I'm certain it was irritating for Andrea in that warmth, however that's simply arduous racing. He labored with Michael Schumacher.” [at Ferrari] for therefore a few years – he of all folks ought to know.”
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Norris was disgusted after his collision with Verstappen noticed him pressured to retire from the Austrian Grand Prix
As one among three British drivers on the grid, Norris is prone to have appreciable assist at Silverstone when System 1 rolls into the Northamptonshire circuit for the British Grand Prix this weekend.
Nevertheless, Horner will not be fearful about the potential for Verstappen going through a hostile reception.
“I'm certain it's going to be a horrible crowd for the British riders, identical to it was for Max in Holland, however I feel each time we go to those tracks we at all times have respect for the opposite riders,” stated Horner.
“I hope Max will get an inexpensive reception and I'm certain will probably be all orange once more this weekend – possibly not Max Verstappen followers, however extra McLaren followers.
“That will likely be water off his duck's again, he’ll preserve his head down and never change. He’s a competitor and I’m certain he’ll race simply as arduous this weekend.”
“Actually thrilling to convey the enduring Ford model again to F1”
Earlier this yr, Crimson Bull introduced that it was coming into right into a technical partnership with Ford for the 2026 season and past.
Horner stated of the blossoming relationship: “They have been nice companions.
“They didn't order us or order something. They stated, 'Right here's our patisserie — our gear, our sources — what can we aid you with?'
“It was extraordinarily rewarding, particularly as we bought on top of things with gear and sources.
“It's such an iconic model in System 1 that bringing the blue oval again in 2026 for Crimson Bull Powertrain is absolutely thrilling.”
F1's summer season triple-header ends with the massive, British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Watch each part dwell on Sky Sports activities F1 and Sky Showcase, with Sunday's race at 3pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with NOW Sports activities Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
