Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner says the principles that System 1 drivers have to stick to when racing are “crystal clear” and there was no ambiguity within the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the US Grand Prix.
Verstappen overtook Norris at Flip 1 at the beginning of the race however appeared to fully depart the observe on the nook exit after forcing the McLaren broad, earlier than he once more left the observe defending the within late on at Flip 12. On the second event, Norris went broad and rejoined forward of Verstappen, choosing up a five-second time penalty that Horner says was the apparent final result.
“To begin with, the racing between the 2 of them, it was aggressive and nice to observe and clearly all of the drivers know acutely what the principles are,” Horner stated. “They focus on these points particularly corners within the briefings with the varied stewards and driver stewards and race director.
“The move was made off-track. We’ve been on the receiving finish of that. In reality, right here [Circuit of The Americas], I believe, in opposition to Kimi [Raikkonen] in 2018. For us, it was crystal clear that the move had been made off the observe, so he ought to have given the place again. He selected to not, subsequently there was a penalty. So for us, it was very a lot a black-and-white situation.
“I believe it’s very tough for the stewards, and each incident is totally different so it’s a must to take a look at each incident individually. Once you’re on the receiving finish of it, it’s not good. As I say, we’ve been on the receiving finish of it quite a few occasions, not simply at this observe, however at different tracks. So, all of them know what’s at stake.
“What I maybe didn’t perceive was it was clear there was going to be a penalty — or it appeared fairly clear there was going to be a penalty — with the automobile benefit and tire benefit that McLaren had at that time of the race, it appeared like he went to offer the place again up at Flip 1, however there was some confusion there. If he’d have given the place again instantly, he would have most likely had sufficient tempo to make the move [again].”
Horner stated the opening-lap incident was not famous by the stewards as a result of all groups and drivers have requested for extra leniency in such conditions.
“We mentioned these many, many occasions. It goes again to Niki Lauda, making an impassioned plea to [former race director] Charlie Whiting of ‘simply allow them to race,’” he stated. “It was agreed then for the primary lap, it was once; now it is extremely a lot the primary nook, allow them to race and that was a basic case of that. And so they all know that.”
