The heat between George Russell and Max Verstappen reignited the flames of rivalry between the teams. Surely after all that happened and was exchanged between the drivers, it wasn’t going to stay confined between them, and now that Red Bull boss Christian Horner has joined the battle, things have gone ugly.
Christian, known for his bluntness and peculiar management style, has come under fire for his comments on George Russell. After Verstappen’s words, while speaking with Sky Sports, Horner shot a rough warning at Russell for his antics, which many just considered a racing incident.
As quoted by Racing News 365, he had said, “He was understandably annoyed with that – I think he voiced his opinion to George, and it was probably a good idea he left his crash helmet on….[Verstappen] is like a elephant, he’ll remember and bank that for a while.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
George Russell reflects on the opening lap with Verstappen 😅#AzerbaijanGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/ar7jEZTBvX
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 29, 2023
This statement has sparked outrage online as the fans of the sport accuse Horner of inciting violence against the Mercedes driver for what was an on-track incident. The fans were left furious, while some believed the comment was sarcastic. However, regardless of the nature of the statement, it was looked down upon and bashed, as a team principal shouldn’t be the one promoting and backing violence from his driver.
George Russell gets more backing against Christian Horner
Christian Horner’s comments have been scrutinized by the majority of the fans, who wish to keep the on-track stuff where it happened. His hypocrisy was further pointed out after Red Bull was accused of cheating in 2022 when he fought hard for mental health advocacy. Now, he has been allegedly supporting violence.
Money can’t buy class or sportsmanship I guess https://t.co/kSqEUdr28p
— sophie (@formulasophie) April 29, 2023
he doesn't just cheat, accuse others of cheating and talk shit about them. He also advocates for violence! thank god he's just joking, silly tp https://t.co/r3Hdqs3luX
— Meg⁴⁴ (@thinkingmerc44) April 29, 2023
Proving once more that money can buy you a world championship but it can't buy you class
— CJ (@CJ_96_UK) April 29, 2023
Why is he enticing violence like there in a school playground? So unprofessional.
— RyanG (@TheGDNR) April 29, 2023
I’m glad someone else has noticed that! For reference, I’m 47 years old with no loyalties regarding Merc vs Red Bull. I just thought it was childish; as were the radio messages to Max during the race re managing to overtake cleanly.
— Lindsey Proudley (@ljp1976) April 30, 2023
The comments came more into the spotlight as Max Verstappen’s anger didn’t seem to end even after the “d**khead” remark after chatting up with George. Both of these comments have turned things away from Red Bull, putting them right under the hatred light.
Another reason why Red Bull don’t belong in Formula 1. #AzebaijanGP #F1 https://t.co/77PwNPHRd1
— Kieran Dixon (@kieraandixon) April 29, 2023
Is that really something to laugh about? Basically saying Max would have resorted to physical violence. That's pretty shocking really, coming from the mouth of the team principal.
— Mark Tyrrell (@marktyrrelluk) April 29, 2023
how toxic is that?
— Super Little Guys 🇵🇹 (@slittleguys) April 29, 2023
People supporting this act 🤮. Can't believe how low Red bull team is getting
— Muhammad Zahooruddin Nizamani (@Zahooruddin007) April 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
"Lucky"? Your boy is just all bark, no bite. Russell smashed the helmet of a driver with who he had just had a big crash. Not sure y'all want to go that route. Anyway I'll just watch that yt on yt fight from the back https://t.co/G5xMqurpLS pic.twitter.com/0BiPCHyL0e
— Gigi (@gigi_teamlh) April 30, 2023
Christian Horner has always been upfront with his words. Perhaps this time a line was crossed, regardless of the sarcastic tone.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton
What do you think of the comment? Is the anger from all the Red Bull fronts over the sprint incident justified? Or has it stretched far too long? Let us know in the comments below.