At the Spanish GP this year, Lewis Hamilton’s special guest, Neymar Jr., created some trouble for him. The Brazilian soccer player was a guest in the Mercedes garage and was present on the grid before the race. But instead of going back into the garage, he stayed on the side of the tracks as the formation lap got underway. Safety concerns were raised to the FIA as a result of his action. Speaking on the same issue, Mercedes’ arch-rival has expressed his displeasure with the unnecessary amount of people on the grid.
In the latest episode of ‘Unlapped’, an ESPN F1 Show, the host commented on how packed the grid looks before the formation lap. He said, “The grids recently have been absolutely insane. Seems like there are double the people every race now.” And in response, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner was quick to agree with him and shared how annoyed he feels with the same. But his main problem was the safety concerns that arise with such a large crowd on the grid.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Horner said, “Yea, you can’t move. Half of the people – don’t know who the hell they are. It’s something that has been discussed and has been raised again in the Formula 1 World Council and Commission. From a safety point of view, these cars, things can go wrong with them.” Looks like one mistake from Neymar has made the entire F1 world take notice of the overpacked pre-race grid.
While such issues that need immediate addressing might bother the RB Boss, the 2023 season’s top-notch performance by the Milton-Keynes outfit has eased everything for him.
Christian Horner Utterly Grateful To Red Bull’s Unsung Heroes for Complete Domination In 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Winning races with ease and breaking records is what Red Bull has done in the 1st half of 2023. With Max Verstappen being the face and driving force of this success, the team has reached new heights. But in an interview after the Belgian GP victory, Christian Horner took his hat off for the entire team who works tirelessly behind the scenes so that the drivers can do what they do on the racetrack.
“It’s phenomenal to go into the summer break unbeaten, in both Grands Prix and Sprints,” said Horner, after the Belgian GP. “I think it’s beyond everybody’s wildest imagination to be sitting in this position now. It’s a golden moment for our team and [you] just absolutely take your hat off to everyone behind the scenes who is working as hard as they are to achieve this kind of performance.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The entire team enters the summer break on a high. And when they return, their star driver will be racing at his home GP at Zandvoort. By the looks of things, it can only get better for them.
WATCH THIS STORY | FIA Faces Hostile Backlash After Severe Treatment of Lewis Hamilton