Christian Horner on Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton’s***** He admits to being…

Watch the full interview with Red Bull boss Christian Horner as he discusses 2021 title battle vs Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton and why he’s excited for the future for the team and world champion Max Verstappen.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted that he can understand why Lewis Hamilton fans would feel “aggrieved” about last year’s Abu Dhabi title decider but believes Max Verstappen ultimately deserved the championship.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle from his home, Horner – Red Bull’s incredibly successful team boss who has collected nine Formula 1 world titles – discussed a range of topics, from his management style and his journey to the rivalry with Mercedes and 2021’s intense finale.

Verstappen and Hamilton went into the last race level on points after a spectacular campaign, although Abu Dhabi was shrouded in controversy after the Dutchman overtook the seven-time champion, who had dominated the race, on the very last lap.

It has since been confirmed that race director Michael Masi applied the Safety Car rules in an incorrect manner, while it was determined that “human error” was a factor. Masi has now left the FIA, F1’s governing body.

Horner said he could understand why Hamilton fans would feel hard done by, but prefers to look at the season as a whole and believes Verstappen deserved his first crown – hinting at Verstappen’s bad luck of his own in Silverstone when crashing out after contact with Hamilton, who was penalised but won the race.

“I always tend to look forwards so Abu Dhabi already seems a long time ago,” said Horner. “The page always turns.

Christian Horner on Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton’s***** He admits to being…

“I can understand that if you were a Lewis fan or a Mercedes fan, that you’ll feel pretty aggrieved by the events of Abu Dhabi.

“If you’re a Max fan, you’ll feel it was redemption for earlier in the year.

“That’s where sport is always going to be polarising. Last year wasn’t just about Abu Dhabi, last year was about 22 races.

“Do I think Max deserved that championship? Absolutely. I’m not ever going to get too hung up on it.”

Verstappen is well on his way to his second championship this year with an 80-point lead at the summer break, while Hamilton, whose Mercedes car has been much slower than predicted, is only sixth in the standings.