Christian Horner’s Comments Come Back to Haunt Max Verstappen’s Bid to Save 2021 Title From Lewis Hamilton

Will Max Verstappen retain his 2021 title? For now, yes. Last year’s world title ended on a controversial note. But, if you think that was the end of that fight between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, you have got it wrong. The budget cap breach saga has made Red Bull the center of attention yet again. But not in a good way.

The team from Milton-Keynes, along with Aston Martin, are the two teams to breach the cost cap. Red Bull’s offense comes under the minor overspend category, whereas Aston Martin’s offense is procedural. Therefore, there is the possibility of a deduction in drivers’ or constructors’ points for the 2021 season.

This could mean Verstappen being stripped of his maiden championship. Christian Horner’s comments about the budget cap have just added to Max’s problems.

After this year’s Monaco GP weekend, talking about the cost cap, Red Bull’s team principal said, “What we don’t want to end up doing is, there’s a five percent threshold for a minor breach. What is the penalty for a minor breach? And what we don’t want to do is end up playing a game of chicken.”

“As to say: does he go to 4.9 over? Do we go to 4.7 over? And that would be one upgrade that could be the differentiating factor of, you know, this World Championship. So, I think what we do need is clarity, and clarity quickly,” Christian added.

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Red Bull looks set to wrap up both titles. Hence Horner’s ‘differentiating factor‘ comments haven’t aged well. While rumors about last year’s championship continue to mount, an unconcerned Max has gone on to double his world championship tally.

Max Verstappen won the Japanese GP to claim his 2nd title

Another impressive display in Honda’s backyard at Suzuka helped Max Verstappen to win his 2nd consecutive title. The Dutchman has 12 wins and 2 podiums to his name, giving him an unassailable lead going into the United States GP.

Max Verstappen, after the Japanese GP, said, “It’s crazy. [I’ve got] very mixed emotions. What a year we’ve had so far – it’s been incredible. It’s something I could never have imagined happening after last year already, fighting to the end and having such a good car again this year.

“I’m so thankful to everyone who has been contributing to the success.”

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It’s been a season and a half for the Milton-Keynes outfit. But, Max Verstappen and Red Bull would want to replicate Mercedes’ level of dominance and give Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton a taste of their own medicine. Will they be able to do it?