Red Bull Decodes George Russell’s Objective Against Max Verstappen Amid Failed Canadian GP Protest

Christian Horner reveals Red Bull's objective behind the double protest against George Russell's tactics against Max Verstappen in Canada.

Red Bull Decodes George Russell’s Objective Against Max Verstappen Amid Failed Canadian GP Protest

Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Red Bull Content Pool)

George Russell and Max Verstappen were the drivers to watch closely at the Canadian GP as the two shared the front row. Neither of them has been the best of friends when it comes to racing one another on track this year. Moreover, with Verstappen’s one-race ban threat looming over him, Russell might have tried his best to cause the former at at least a single penalty point. The Briton allegedly used some controversial tactics behind the Safety Car, which Red Bull has taken a dig at, and revealed the reality behind the move.

George Russell had already teased Max Verstappen of the one-race ban contingency if he were to commit any mistakes on the track. As such, the Briton was closely watching the 27-year-old’s move and checking if a forced penalty was possible. Notably, Russell braked suddenly behind the Safety Car, which caused Verstappen to overtake the Mercedes, which isn’t technically allowed. Nothing came of this controversial move from the Mercedes star as both teams had their own version of the story.

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner was amongst the many within the Austrian constructor that was unimpressed by George Russell’s dirty move. The team had already lodged a double protest against Russell’s move in Canada. The FIA looked into the matter and did not act upon it as Horner issued an uninterested statement on the Briton’s ill intentions behind the move.

Christian Horner claimed that from Russell’s pre-race comments, it was inevitable that he would try to cause a penalty to his primary championship competitor, Max Verstappen. Horner believed that it was wrong of the Briton to goad the latter into committing a mistake on track. The 51-year-old reckoned that there were no surprises when the Mercedes star carried out his petty move against the Dutchman.

I think you could hear from George’s press comments yesterday, his objective was reasonably clear, So, I don’t think there were any surprises with that.

Christian Horner said, as reported by Planetf1

Christian Horner not surprised by George Russell’s ‘inevitable gamesmanship’

Max Verstappen and George Russell have emerged as two of the fiercest competitors when it comes to on-track battles. The two might have their personal vendetta, owing to their issues in the past. While the two drivers have kept their rivalry on track relatively clean, Christian Horner isn’t much surprised by the tactics the Briton seemingly resorted in order to move ahead of Verstappen in the championship standings, as the gap narrows down to just 19 points.

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Christian Horner asserted that drivers using such tactics against one another was inevitable over the season. The 51-year-old pointed out that Russell’s gamesmanship against Verstappen wasn’t the end of the world, as it fizzled out in the end and did not have any major implications. Now, a couple of the Dutchman’s penalty points are supposed to expire by 30th June, as he will have to remain penalty-free till then.

I think it was inevitable that that there was going to be some potential gamesmanship.

Christian Horner noted

Red Bull’s performance at the Canadian GP was commendable as Max Verstappen managed a decent second-place finish. The 27-year-old drove a beautiful race and ended in the same spot he started after giving it his all. Now, the reigning world champion will prepare for Red Bull’s home race in Austria and aim to win the race in front of his orange army, further bridging the gap in drivers’ title standings.

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