Horner after Hungarian Grand Prix: 'Enormously frustrating'

Published on 01 August 2021 by Julien Lemmen

Red Bull Racing had a hugely disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix. Both cars were damaged after a collision at the start triggered by Valtteri Bottas. Sergio Perez immediately had to retire, while Max Verstappen could only finish P10 with a badly damaged car.

Team principal Christian Horner reflects after the race: “It is obviously an enormously frustrating way to end the weekend but we are within 10 points of first place in the championship going into the summer break which means it’s all to play for. Unfortunately, Bottas braking late into Turn 1 eliminated both of our cars, Checo was immediately forced to retire and the substantial amount of damage to the right hand side of Max’s car meant he had no chance of fighting at the front. Full credit once again has to go to our mechanics who worked wonders to get Max’s car back out for the race. The temperatures were off the scale and they had to straighten pipes and fix the right side as much as possible in very limited time, before nailing the fastest pit stop once again, which is quite remarkable.”

Horner continues: “Max fought hard, despite the extensive damage and downforce losses, securing one point which could prove vital at the end of the year.  There is no doubt that this has cost us a lot today, financially in a cost cap world, points wise and for Honda who now need to understand whether Checo’s engine is salvageable, but there are many positives to take into the summer break. We have achieved six victories with the most competitive chassis and power unit package we have had for years and the whole team is fully motivated. We will take a few weeks off, recharge and come out fighting for the second half of this championship. We have experienced close title battles like this before and we are not giving up anything. The points difference between the top two in both championships is still very small, it will be an epic second half to this year and we are ready for it.”