"Something like that escalates"

Horner’s wild theory: “He wouldn’t have had a chance”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has presented an unconventional explanation for the incidents in Mexico for which Max Verstappen received two time penalties. He sees his rival as the real culprit. "Norris had no chance at all to get the fourth corner on the decisive lap," said Horner. 

The atmosphere between Red Bull and McLaren remains tense after the turbulent race weekend in Mexico. The time penalties against Verstappen continue to occupy the "bulls" and the team boss has now also commented on this and presented an idiosyncratic view of things.

Based on the GPS data, the Briton recognized that Norris would have had no chance of getting the fourth corner. "He would have left the track. You can see that from his steering movements. And of course, at this point in the race, he probably has 80 kilograms more fuel on him than on his fastest lap," he concludes.

Horner warns of danger
And in the other controversial scene? "I guess Max was expecting Lando to give him the position back. Max drives on the inside, they both go off the track," Horner summarizes dryly. He therefore sees Norris as being at fault. Even though he admits: "Max must have been frustrated after the first scene. That kind of thing escalates."

Lando Norris(Bild: AFP/APA/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)

Horner is now calling for a new dialog between FIA stewards and drivers. "Everyone involved must agree on something sensible. We run the risk of turning the overtaking rules on their head," warns the Briton.