Red Bull has responded to Flavio Briatore’s comments that team principal Christian Horner is ‘weak’ after he chose not to attend the podium ceremony.
“Christian didn’t even have the strength to get on the podium – because they’re terrified with a driver in charge instead of the team manager,” said the former team principal in light of the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix.
In a statement issued to the BBC, the team denied the claims.
“Christian has not previously always attended the first win podium and Lotus also did not send their team principal to the podium in Australia – so this is irrelevant.
“A ‘weak’ team principal would be unable to steer a team to three consecutive world championships and oversee and manage the extensive teamwork that goes into this achievement – while managing two talented racers.
“This feat has only ever been achieved by four teams in the entire history of the sport.”
They also denied claims Mark Webber would quit the team at the end of 2014 as claimed by German media reports. They said it was “too early” to speculate on his future.
“We are two races into the current season and it’s far too early to be talking about 2014,” the team added. “Mark and Seb have driven together since 2009 and the pairing has achieved 35 wins, 80 podiums, 13 one-two finishes and six Formula 1 world championships,” the team said.
“It’s pure speculation that Mark will not drive with the team in 2014. “Mark’s contract has been renewed for the last few years on an annual basis – he has continually chosen to drive for the team each year and the team has similarly wanted to continue working with him, as he is an excellent driver and a competitive racer.”
