Red Bull’s Horner Reveals Crucial Decision that Shifted Victory in Verstappen’s Favor
In the aftermath of the thrilling Formula 1 race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has pinpointed the crucial moment that swung the victory in Max Verstappen’s favor. According to Horner, it was not McLaren’s loss of the lead during the first safety car stop that proved decisive, but rather Lando Norris’s decision to run longer than everyone else on intermediate tyres.
“I thought we were in a much better window as the circuit dried out,” Horner explained. “We were able to hold a consistent gap and then it was all about getting the crossover at the right time, because the first sector was pretty damp.”
As drivers began switching to slicks, Norris’s strategy seemed inspired, with his inters remaining faster. However, his call to stick it out for two further laps ultimately backfired, despite having a 20-second advantage over Verstappen at the time. Although Norris emerged from the pits marginally in front of Verstappen, he lost traction on the damp track, allowing his rival to pass him for the lead.
Horner believes that if Norris had pitted just one lap earlier, the outcome would have been different. The Red Bull team principal emphasized the importance of timing the switch to slicks, which proved crucial in Verstappen’s eventual victory.
“When Lando did pit, he [Verstappen] had tyres that were in a window and was able to drive and pull out a three-second gap by sector one. So that timing was crucial.”
Earlier in the race, McLaren had looked on course to win, with Norris enjoying a huge pace advantage on the drying track in the first stint. However, the safety car stop and subsequent pitstops altered the dynamics of the race, ultimately paving the way for Verstappen’s triumph. Horner acknowledged that Red Bull’s adjustments during the safety car period helped them get into a better position, but it was Norris’s strategic decision that ultimately made the difference.
As Formula 1 fans continue to dissect the thrilling race, Horner’s insights highlight the critical role that tyre strategy and timing played in determining the outcome. With the Formula 1 standings remaining tight, every decision counts, and teams will be eager to learn from this race as they head into the next Grand Prix.
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