Shortly after the race began, smoke started coming out of Verstappen’s car, and Carlos Sainz quickly overtook him.
Christian Horner, head of Red Bull Racing, addressed the situation following Max Verstappen’s apparent heated conversation with a mechanic at the Australian Grand Prix.
This incident occurred after Verstappen, who was leading the race and close to securing his tenth consecutive victory in Formula 1, had to retire early due to a mechanical issue.
Right after the race started, Verstappen’s car began emitting smoke, and Carlos Sainz quickly passed him.
Things worsened when his brakes caught fire, forcing him to stop and exit the race.
After taking off his helmet, Verstappen seemed to have a serious conversation with a mechanic, during which he appeared to say the word “stupid.”
Despite this, Horner defended Verstappen, stating: “Naturally, a driver will be frustrated when they have to retire from the race.”
He praised Verstappen’s attitude towards the team and mechanics, highlighting his kindness despite the frustration.
Horner talked about the disappointment shared by the team and emphasized the importance of learning from this incident.
He also mentioned the team’s impressive track record of avoiding mechanical failures in races over the past two years.
Verstappen himself provided information about the problems he encountered during the race.
Christian Horner’s Red Bull team still faces uncertainties as the FIA gets involved.
He revealed that one of the wheel brakes had been malfunctioning from the start, likening it to “driving with the handbrake on.”
He reported a peculiar moment when his car was on fire and there was a discussion about making a pit stop, in which he questioned the reasoning, saying: “Why are we making a pit stop while the car is on fire?”
