McLaren questions Christian Horner’s ‘integrity’ over Lando Norris remark post Austrian GP

Andrea Stella did not hesitate from firing shots at Christian Horner's comments on Lando Norris.

McLaren questions Christian Horner’s ‘integrity’ over Lando Norris remark post Austrian GP

Christian Horner and Lando Norris with Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris went on an intense wheel to wheel competition at the Austrian GP which didn’t resulted well. Both the drivers collided at lap 64, and Verstappen was blamed and penalized 10-seconds penalty. While Norris had to retire due to puncture in his car and Andrea Stella responds to this situation

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Lando Norris was intentionally trying to cause problems at Turn 3. He stated this because the young Briton was trying to overtake Max Verstappen at Turn 3 but failed multiple times. Andrea Stella backlashes Horner’s statement, he said such comments are unacceptable. Horner’s accusations were hard to accept and believe for Stella.

I think this kind of statement is pretty irreceivable, I would say.
Andrea Stella said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Further, Stella suggested that the accusation made by Horner reflected on his own integrity or honesty. Stella seemed to be implying that the 50-year-old’s comment said more about Verstappen than it does about Norris on the situation at Turn 3. This statement cleared that there’s a deeper disagreement between Stella and Horner upon the incident.

FS Video
To some extent, I think it speaks for the integrity of the person that said that.
Andrea Stella added

Andrea Stella believes Christian Horner should not have defended Max Verstappen for his doings

The Italian team principal expressed respect for Max Verstappen, acknowledging his exceptional driving skills and achievements. However, Stella suggested defending aggressively against other drivers, like what happened at the Austrian GP, was unnecessary. Stella highlighted that this doesn’t suit a successful driver like Verstappen. Such defensive actions may not be in line with the spirit of fair competition or respect among drivers.

In general, we have so much respect for Max, What he is achieving is unbelievable he is a great driver. There is no need to defend like this.
Andrea Stella stated
Andrea Stella
Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)

Andrea Stella reckoned that sometimes in racing, the leader must accept that the car behind must deserve a chance to overtake. He believed that if Norris had passed Verstappen during the race, it would have set up an exciting situation. Where Verstappen could have used the DRS to try and reclaim the position on the next lap. Stella thought this would have made for a thrilling spectacle, adding to the excitement of the race.

Sometimes you just have to accept that the car behind needs to have an opportunity, and I think that what would have happened if Lando had passed, then the next lap, with the DRS, Max would have gone for it, and it would have been an incredible spectacle
Andrea Stella added

Certainly, Andrea Stella reckoned whatever Max Verstappen did was not acceptable. The show might’ve gotten much more interesting if that incident didn’t occur. McLaren confirmed they would still fight with Red Bull and Verstappen as they did in Austria to win the race.

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