Red Bull TP Christian Horner Sets the “Rules” for Max Verstappen & Sergio Perez’s Tussle Based on the Mercedes Psychology

After the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the atmosphere in the Red Bull camp has become hot. Sergio Perez‘s heroics gave the team another victory at the Jeddah track, but the team’s top driver Max Verstappen wasn’t happy getting a P2. Several experts have recommended Red Bull management to allow both gladiators to battle after seeing Sergio Perez’s potential at the Jeddah track. Christian Horner just gave both of his drivers permission to indulge in action, but only if they adhere to Mercedes’ psychology.

In the two races of the most recent Formula 1 season, Verstappen and Perez have each claimed one victory. Besides, the two drivers’ relationship hasn’t been harmonious since the Brazilian Grand Prix last year. And in that regard, the shenanigans at the Saudi GP have just fueled the controversy. The Dutchman again disregarded the team’s instruction at the Jeddah circuit during the final lap to further his interests. The fastest lap was questioned by the two-time champion, but he was urged to keep racing and not to worry about it. He yet refused to listen, saying he was doing it for himself.

And he might get offended again as a result of Christian Horner’s most recent remarks. In a recent interview with Speedcafe, Horner stated he believes both of his drivers have a decent chance of winning the driver’s championship as they are now seeming to be the major rivals for the F1 championship. The British, though, want them to emulate Mercedes’ mentality. When Speedcafe asked about using team orders on his drivers, Horner responded, “It’s Round 2. We’ve got two very mature drivers, they’ve worked together and they’ve worked well together”

Adding further he said, “Previously, we just discussed the race, and this scenario before the race and said, ‘Look, you’re free to race today but the rules of engagement are: team first and respect each other, respect the cars you’re driving.’ We want to bring the maximum points and they’ve done that.” With that, he only holds the principle of putting the team before oneself, which is congruent with Mercedes’ attitude. The Silver Arrows’ rules state that while drivers are allowed to compete, they must always put the team first.

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Everything appears to be going much smoother for Christian Horner and the team this year than they were last year, yet they might have overlooked one major concern while rejoicing in their victories at the first two races. So what is that? Let’s have a look.

One of the biggest concerns might trouble Max Verstappen and co in the season ahead

Red Bull was fined $7 million and had their accessibility to wind tunnels reduced by 10% after it was discovered that they had exceeded the budget of $140 million by 2.2 million in October of last year. The Austrian outfit hasn’t been hampered by the cut yet as they develop their car for 2023. However, Anthony Davidson, a former Formula One driver, and sky spots analyst believe that the reduction would cause the team serious concern as the season goes on.

While conversing with Evening Standard, Davidson said, “Aston Martin will have 60 to 70 percent more wind tunnel use than Red Bull [as a result of their lowly finish in last year’s championship]. That’s huge. That’s what Red Bull’s mostly concerned about the handbrake is coming on with their development. Things progress so rapidly in Formula One. Aston Martin are two seconds per lap faster than last year. If they find another second by halfway through the year, then they’re on Red Bull speed.”

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In light of the aforementioned, do you think Red Bull’s intra-team battle will affect the team’s chances of winning the championship?