Red Bull boss reacts to ‘tough’ sanctions on Max Verstappen at Mexican Grand Prix

Christian Horner, Red Bull team director, has expressed his disapproval of the sanctions imposed. Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix. Verstappen, known for his aggressive driving style, was penalized twice: the first for forcing his rival. Lando Norris going off the track and then going off the track and gaining an advantage.

Horner described the penalties as “harsh”, suggesting that current racing rules lack clarity, particularly when it comes to aggressive driving that blurs the lines of acceptability on the track.

“Max left the track at turn four and then at turn seven, Lando opened the door very late and they both ran out there,” explained Horner in response to the incidents that led to Verstappen’s sanctions, via Sky Sports F1.

The race took place at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with the victory of Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Starting second on the grid, Verstappen made an impressive start, overtaking the Spaniard into the first corner. However, his lead was short-lived, first after Sainz overtook him following a safety car, but also due to a series of penalties that drastically affected his race.

“The problem is I think we’re going into very dangerous territory and at what point is a dive bomb going to be okay?” Horner questioned. “I think, really, the FIA ​​and the drivers need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what is not. I thought two 10-second (penalties) were a bit harsh today.”

The Red Bull boss advocates for a more explicit dialogue between the FIA ​​and the drivers to refine what is allowed during races. This reflects ongoing debates within Formula 1 over the consistency and interpretation of the rules on aggressive driving, especially given previous controversies involving Verstappen, such as similar incidents at the United States Grand Prix.

Lando Norris managed to secure a podium, placing second among the Ferrari drivers. His rivalry with Verstappen has been a defining narrative of the 2024 season, and Norris frequently finds himself competing with the Dutch driver. After the race, Norris commented on the dangerous driving:

“I was ahead the whole corner. This guy is dangerous. It’s the same as last time. I’ll be against the wall in a minute.”

While Ferrari and McLaren made the most of their day, Red Bull faced challenges not only with penalties but also with their overall pace throughout the race.

“You always have to follow the rules. We’ll watch and learn from this race, but the biggest thing for us today was that we just didn’t have the pace. That’s where our focus will be over the next five days.” “Horner admitted.

The results of the Mexican Grand Prix have considerable implications for the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. Ferrari’s victory, driven by Carlos Sainz and backed by the efforts of Charles Leclerc, means the Scuderia is now ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ standings. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s setback adds more pressure to the drivers’ championship battle as every point now becomes crucial as he fends off Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.