Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has admitted that he was somewhat bemused with the “defeatist” tactics Mercedes used in Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was sandwiched between the Mercedes cars on the starting grid and it remained like that to the chequered flag amid a processional race.
With Monte Carlo’s unique characteristics making overtaking nigh on impossible, both Verstappen and Mercedes had been angling to go long on the Hard compound.
However, a red flag on the opening lap curtailed their ambitions as it meant drivers could complete their mandatory tyre change at the stoppage and run until the end.
Despite making a late pit stop to revert back onto the Hards and catching George Russell with 16 laps to run, the Dutchman was unable to craft an overtaking chance.
Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal. 25.05.2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 8, Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Qualifying Day
Russell had been maintaining pace with the leading quartet on the restart, but he was told over the team radio to drop back from Lando Norris and manage his rubber.
Although Horner conceded that Russell backing up didn’t change the outcome, the Red Bull boss was less than impressed with how Mercedes controlled his lap times.
“I didn’t really understand Mercedes’ race today, it was a hugely conservative race by George, to give up so much time and then go so fast at the end of the race,” he said.
“It didn’t really make a lot of sense, but I don’t think it would’ve changed…they weren’t going to overtake anybody, it was just a very defeatist race to try and defend fifth.”
Verstappen’s uneventful run to sixth place and Sergio Perez’s opening-lap retirement saw Red Bull’s margin in the Constructors’ Championship lead slashed to 24 points.
Asked whether Wolff’s claim earlier this term that Red Bull had both titles sewn up had been premature amid Ferrari’s Monaco win, Horner responded: “Yeah, I think so.
“Perhaps not with Mercedes. But I think with Ferrari and McLaren certainly look competitive, they cannot be discounted.
“It’s a long, long championship and obviously they’ve taken a reasonable chunk of points today.”
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