Horner Insinuates Blames on Mercedes-Backed F1 Mandate for Verstappen’s Slow Pit-Stop in Monza

Things were looking up for the Red Bulls at the Italian Grand Prix. But unfortunately, they were about to take a turn for the worse. And after a slow stop, Max Verstappen crashed into Lewis Hamilton and went out of the race. Sergio Perez got a 5-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, and Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has mentioned the reason for the slow stop that cost the team and Max a potential race win.

FIA had introduced new directives regarding the pit stops for safer stops. They introduced the directive after there had been some close calls between the cars and the pit crew. They were implemented since the Belgian GP and forces teams to have a slightly slower stop.

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There was a rare human error in our pit stop: Christian Horner

As reported by RedBull.com, the team boss stated that directives are the reason that the teams had to make some changes to their pit stop procedures. However, he also mentioned the pit stop at Monza was a human error.

“Then there was a rare human error in our pit stop, as a result of the new Technical Directive, but nonetheless something we need to learn from,” said Horner.

“That slow stop put Max out of synch from where he should’ve been on track. Mercedes compounded that situation as they faltered with their own stop on Hamilton‘s car, which meant both drivers were neck and neck.” said the Red Bull team boss.

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The Red Bull team boss analyzes the Monza weekend

Christian Horner mentioned that the team and their performance at Monza very much impressed him. He also gave his analysis of their race performance.

“In Monza, the way we worked as a team to get the third place on the grid in qualifying and his drive in the sprint qualifying, which got him the second place that in turn became pole for the race, all while securing vital championship points, was very impressive.

“As for the race itself, we knew McLaren would be a big opponent in Italy because their cars are well-suited to that venue. Daniel Ricciardo made a good start and Max pushed him as hard as he could, but we couldn’t overtake,” stated Horner.

Despite the underwhelming result, Verstappen still leads the drivers’ title, while Red Bull are now just trailing Mercedes by 18 points in the constructor’s championship.

Can Red Bull bounce back? Let us know.