Max Verstappen News: F1 boss Christian Horner slams Andrea Stella for ‘unfair’ comments

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has responded to criticism of Max Verstappen from a rival boss.

Criticism was sparked by a collision between Lando Norris and Verstappen during an action-packed Austrian Grand Prix.

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George Russell claimed just his second career F1 victory at the Red Bull Ring, but the Mercedes star’s triumph only tells half the story of what was a thrilling race.

The Briton was the beneficiary of a late collision between Verstappen and championship rival Norris as the top two went wheel-to-wheel in pursuit of a vital victory.

The pair came together as Verstappen defended a bold overtake from his McLaren counterpart on lap 64, with both suffering punctures as a result.

The reigning champion was able to come back and secure a 5th place, while Norris was forced to retire as he lost further ground in the drivers’ standings.

Verstappen-Norris conflict ‘intensifies’

Despite being punished for his role in the incident, Verstappen remained defiant after the race, much to the frustration of Norris who suggested their friendship was under threat.

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has backed his star man, suggesting a similar incident involving Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in 2021 played a key role in the FIA’s decision not to apply a harsher penalty.

Talk to Sky SportsHorner admitted he understood the Italian’s frustrations but insisted he was wrong to bring up previous collisions.

“He raced incredibly hard in 2021, he’s a tough rider, and he hasn’t really raced with anyone in two years because he’s been in front so much,” Horner said.

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“The conflict between the two men built over two, three, four races where they were battling it out in a tight, fierce manner, and at some point it was always going to boil over – and that’s what happened at Turn 3.

“He was punished in 2021 if he did something wrong, just like Lewis, who he was racing so hard against that year, was punished for things he did wrong.

“I think it’s wrong and unfair to label a driver like that and I’m sure in the heat of the moment it was frustrating for Andrea, but it’s just a tough race.

“He worked with Michael Schumacher (at Ferrari) for many years. He of all people should know that.”

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