F1 | Horner opens up about Masi’s exit: “There was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right"
The Red Bull team principal expresses his opinion on the decision to replace Michael Masi and adds that his team definitely outwitted Mercedes in Abu Dhabi
Earlier this month, Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner and Mercedes’ one Toto Wolff appeared at the Motor Council in London with the FIA and the new president and they appeared to have loosen up after the tension in the last GP of the 2021 season.
However, as the new season is approaching, that tension seems to be showing up once again. Red Bull’s team principal Horner recently expressed his sympathy to Michael Masi, who has been replaced, due to his decision in Abu Dhabi. The decision which led to Max Verstappen winning his first World Title on Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s a difficult one. It’s the FIA’s business. I think it is harsh, I think he was in a very difficult position last year – he stated to talkSPORT Breakfast.
“We felt a lot of the decisions went against us last year, - he added. - When you look at what he has at his disposal in terms of resource, compared to what the teams have, it’s such a massive difference.”
Later, the Red Bull boss expressed his personal feeling on the subject.
“It’s good to hear they are bringing in things like the VAR equivalent and one of the most experienced guys in Herbie Blash (former F1 deputy race director) – the Britishman said - I just think there was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right. That’s my personal feeling.”
“It was an intense period. You have to look at the season over the 22 races. We had a lot of decisions go against us earlier in the year and penalties that weren’t awarded and so on. – he said - We got a little bit lucky at the end and sometimes that happens in sport, it’s not over until the whistle goes or the flag falls.
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“Tactically, we were sharp at the end. When the crash came five laps from the end we reacted immediately. We got Max in, pitted him for a new set of tyres, Mercedes left Lewis out on what was 44-lap tyres at the end of their life. Max had to make that pass on the last lap, which he did. There has been some hiding around the controversy.”
He continued explaining his point of view about the last laps of the season in Abu Dhabi.
“The bottom line was that tactically we got it right. Max delivered the move and became the world champion.”
At this point, Horner had to answer about if he thinks that the FIA should review the final race. “It’s done. He didn’t actually do anything wrong in accordance with the rules. It’s a bit of a smokescreen as when you look back at the race, Mercedes had two opportunities to pit” – he pointed out.
“There was a virtual safety car and then there was a safety car. The driver was asking to pit on both occasions and they left him out. That’s what exposed him at the end of the race. Tactically we got it right and it’s those small margins.”
