Christian Horner Empathizes With Ferrari & Charles Leclerc After Missed ‘Fantastic Finish’ to Baku GP

The recently concluded Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw the oft-seen 2022 season scenario of the Red Bulls capitalizing on a poor Ferrari race day come to the fore yet again. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner sympathized with Ferrari and Charles Leclerc after his team was gifted with another rather easy win.

Fans widely regard the Monegasque as a qualifying wonder who puts in sensational laps to take the pole. However, Max Verstappen has now won more from Leclerc poles than Leclerc himself. Ferrari surrendering Leclerc’s Saturday lead has become a recurring theme.

In Baku, a Power unit issue cost the Monegasque another win as he was leading. About the race, Horner opened up and said, “Phenomenal result! Great for Max and Checo. Sorry for Charles and Ferrari. I think obviously the fans today missed out what could’ve been a fantastic finish because, with the offset that we had by going longer on the medium tires, I think we would’ve had a tire advantage in the back end of the race.”

The race could’ve been fantastic indeed if Leclerc hadn’t retired. He initially lost out on the lead after locking up on turn 1. However, the Monegasque, despite a quick Verstappen RB-18 charging at him, managed to hold him back. After a tire strategy from the Maranello camp, Leclerc was ahead and could’ve managed to win if he held both the Bulls back.

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Chances are he might’ve not won either, given the RB-18 looked quicker than F1-75. But now there’s no way to know, given Ferrari cars gave up on their drivers.

Christian Horner and Co. head toward glory

This season is proving to be a smooth ride for Red Bull. They currently lead 1-2 on the table, and might just enjoy a Constructors and Drivers title at the end of the season. Rival camp Mercedes has simply not been competitive and struggle with major pace and bouncing issues. The team is way off the Austrian Constructor’s pace and might not catch up anytime soon.

Further, Horner will be happy with Ferrari breaking under pressure. The team simply doesn’t look championship ready and cannot win if they keep making these mistakes.

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Considering the story of the past few races, is this Christian Horner and Red Bull’s year?