Christian Horner SLAMS FIA Over Red Bull F1 Co...read more

Christian Horner Slams FIA Over Red Bull F1 Controversy in Barcelona

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner has launched a stinging rebuke of the FIA’s handling of a controversial incident during the Spanish Grand Prix, criticizing what he described as “unclear” and “confusing” decision-making by the stewards and race director.

The backlash stems from a heated on-track clash between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell in Barcelona. Verstappen was instructed mid-race by his team to relinquish fourth place back to Russell after an aggressive Turn 1 move that forced the Brit onto the run-off area. However, post-race analysis revealed that Russell had not been in full control of his car during the overtake, and Verstappen had not actually gained an unfair advantage.

Speaking to the media after the Grand Prix, Horner expressed his frustration over the lack of immediate guidance from race control.

“That’s where it would be nice, as the referee, as a race director, to either say, ‘Play on’ or, ‘You need to give it back’,” Horner stated.
“It’s very hard for the team subjectively to try and make that call because you’re going on historical precedent. You’re trying to pre-empt what the stewards and the race directors are thinking.”

Horner went on to urge the FIA to offer more decisive communication during the race to avoid situations where teams are left to interpret complex scenarios under intense pressure.

Verstappen Fumes Over Strategy Blunders

The FIA drama was just one part of a turbulent weekend for Red Bull. Verstappen was also left fuming over the team’s strategic choices, particularly the decision to fit his RB21 with the hard C1 compound tyre during a crucial safety car restart. The tyre, which had underperformed all weekend, offered little grip and left the Dutchman unable to defend or attack effectively in the closing stages of the race.

His frustration reached boiling point when, in what appeared to be a moment of rage, Verstappen collided with Russell’s car. The FIA deemed the incident intentional, slapping Verstappen with a 10-second penalty, three penalty points, and a sharp blow to his title hopes.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, confirmed that Verstappen’s anger led to him skipping the team’s post-race debrief, a rare move from the usually composed champion.

“It was a weekend filled with misjudgements, both on the pit wall and in race control,” Marko admitted. “We’ll need to regroup fast.”

With rising tensions inside the Red Bull camp and Verstappen’s championship lead now under serious threat, all eyes will be on how the team — and the FIA — respond heading into the next race weekend.