Horner issues LIES verdict in astonishing ......

Horner issues LIES verdict in astonishing …read more

Christian Horner has come to the defense of Max Verstappen amid the escalating feud between the Red Bull driver and Mercedes’ George Russell, which has dominated headlines since the Qatar Grand Prix. The tensions between the two drivers reached a boiling point following a controversial incident during qualifying for the event. Verstappen was handed a post-qualifying penalty for allegedly failing to meet the minimum lap time set by the race director. The penalty placed him further down the grid, which allowed Russell to inherit pole position for the race.

The row began when Russell accused Verstappen of driving slowly during the qualifying session, thus potentially breaching the minimum time requirement. The issue was referred to the race stewards, who ruled in favor of the penalty. Although Verstappen went on to win the Qatar Grand Prix, the damage to his relationship with Russell was done. Verstappen, in a fiery post-race interview, blasted his rival for what he described as “two-faced” behavior, accusing Russell of actively lobbying for his penalty in the stewards’ room. Verstappen also voiced his displeasure with Russell’s actions, claiming that the Mercedes driver had crossed a line.

Russell, however, wasn’t one to back down. At the following race in Abu Dhabi, the Mercedes driver issued his own statement, accusing Verstappen of being a “bully” and even alleging that the Dutchman had threatened him ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen immediately denied the accusations, calling them untrue and vehemently rejecting the notion that he had used intimidation tactics.

The feud has sparked intense discussions across the Formula 1 community, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on the escalating drama between the two drivers. The clash has even drawn in the team principals of both Red Bull and Mercedes, with Christian Horner and Toto Wolff offering their respective support to their drivers. Horner, in particular, has been vocal in defending Verstappen’s character, insisting that his driver would never resort to dishonesty.

Speaking to Sky Sports during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, Horner addressed the ongoing dispute, claiming that Verstappen is a man of integrity who speaks his mind. “Max needs very little extra motivation. The thing with Max… He tells you straight, tells you as it is. He never lies, always tells you the truth,” Horner remarked. He further emphasized that Verstappen was not the only driver present in the stewards’ room during the investigation, suggesting that others were equally surprised by the outcome.

Horner was also quick to defend Verstappen’s personality, describing him as a “very big-hearted young man.” According to Horner, Verstappen’s no-nonsense approach to racing and his direct manner of communication are part of what makes him the exceptional driver he is today. “Max is Max. That’s part of what defines him and makes him who he is as a person, and makes him the driver that he is,” Horner added. He downplayed the significance of the dispute, dismissing it as mere “pantomime,” implying that the media and fans have perhaps blown the situation out of proportion.

The ongoing feud between Verstappen and Russell has certainly added an element of drama to the 2024 F1 season. Both drivers have established themselves as fierce competitors, with Verstappen being a four-time world champion and Russell emerging as one of the brightest stars in the sport. Their rivalry has now become a focal point, drawing attention not just for their on-track battles but also for the increasingly personal nature of their interactions off the track.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the tensions between Verstappen and Russell will simmer down or continue to escalate. What is clear, however, is that both drivers are fiercely competitive, and their respective team principals will continue to back them, even as the war of words intensifies. For now, Horner’s defense of Verstappen’s character serves as a clear indication of his unwavering support for the driver who has delivered Red Bull multiple championships in recent years.