Christian Horner issues shock verdict on...

Christian Horner issues shock verdict on…read more

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has shared his unexpected view on the intense on-track duel between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the recent Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. The battle between the two young stars was one of the highlights of the weekend, drawing attention from fans and paddock insiders alike.

Horner, who has overseen some fierce intra-team rivalries at Red Bull in the past, notably between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber and more recently with Max Verstappen and his teammates, expressed his surprise at the level of intensity shown between the two McLaren drivers.

During the race, Norris and Piastri engaged in a spirited scrap for position. Norris, who eventually finished second behind Verstappen, was under pressure throughout the race weekend. Piastri, starting from a strong position, was also eyeing the podium. Their wheel-to-wheel moments raised eyebrows, especially considering team dynamics and the potential for contact.

Speaking to the media post-race, Horner said, “It was quite interesting to see how hard those two were pushing each other. You’d think there might be a bit more caution given they’re teammates, but it was pretty aggressive. From the outside, it looked like neither was willing to give an inch.”

Horner added that while such competitive spirit is commendable, it also comes with risks. “It’s great for the sport, no doubt. Fans want to see racing, and that was proper racing. But as a team principal, when your two drivers are going at it like that, you start to get a bit nervous. One wrong move and both cars could be out.”

The McLaren duo has been in strong form in recent races, with Norris in particular building momentum following his win in Miami. Piastri, on the other hand, has consistently shown maturity and pace in his second full season in F1. Their internal rivalry is being viewed by many as one of the most exciting matchups on the current grid.

Despite the fireworks on track, both Norris and Piastri remained professional off it. In interviews, both drivers emphasized mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering results for McLaren. Norris commented that while the fight was tough, it was “clean and respectful,” and Piastri echoed similar sentiments, noting that they trusted each other enough to race hard.

Horner acknowledged this maturity, stating, “You have to give credit to both drivers. They raced hard, but they didn’t cross the line. That shows a lot of professionalism. Still, as a rival team boss, you always hope things like that might create an opening, but they handled it well.”

The Red Bull boss also reflected on how McLaren’s resurgence is adding another layer of complexity to the championship. With Ferrari also showing signs of competitiveness, and Mercedes continuing to work on their form, Horner admitted that the 2025 season could become even more unpredictable if these trends continue.

“It’s great to see other teams mixing it up at the front,” Horner said. “It keeps everyone on their toes. McLaren have clearly made a step forward, and their drivers are pushing each other, which is helping them move closer to us.”

In conclusion, Christian Horner’s reaction to the Norris-Piastri battle was one of cautious admiration. He praised their ability to maintain a fierce yet fair contest, while also pointing out the potential dangers of such close intra-team battles. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how McLaren will manage the dynamic between their two rising stars—and whether this rivalry will become a defining storyline of the championship.