Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed disappointment in McLaren’s tyre strategy following the British Grand Prix. Horner believed that Lando Norris should have switched to medium tyres for the final stage, which could have given McLaren a shot at victory. McLaren’s decision to keep Norris on soft tyres not only allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead but also cost them second place to Max Verstappen, despite the RB20 being faster.
Norris had initially shown strong pace during the transition to intermediate tyres, taking the lead of the race. However, Hamilton’s earlier pit stop for slick tyres gave him the advantage in track position. McLaren’s choice to stick with soft tyres backfired as they quickly degraded, dropping Norris behind Verstappen on hard tyres. Had McLaren opted for a more durable tyre option, the outcome could have been different.
Horner spoke to the media after the race, expressing surprise at McLaren’s decision not to utilise the medium tyres they had available. He acknowledged Hamilton’s well-deserved victory and commended his competitiveness. Despite the RB20’s lack of speed, Verstappen managed to secure second place in what Horner described as a “strange” race.
The Red Bull team principal reflected on the challenges they faced during the race, noting that they struggled with pace on the medium tyres initially. As conditions changed, Mercedes and McLaren appeared to have control at different stages. Red Bull’s decision to switch to intermediate tyres at the right time helped them secure third place initially, but Horner believed that an extra lap on those tyres may have impacted performance.
As the race progressed and tyre wear became a concern, Red Bull had to make a strategic decision for the final stint. Given the issues with soft tyre degradation earlier in the race, they opted for hard tyres as their best chance for success. The team’s comeback and eventual stabilisation in the race highlighted the importance of tyre strategy in such unpredictable conditions.
Overall, Horner’s criticism of McLaren’s tyre strategy and reflection on Red Bull’s own decisions underscored the complexities of Formula 1 racing and the impact that strategic choices can have on race outcomes. Despite the challenges faced, Red Bull managed to secure a second-place finish, showcasing their ability to adapt and make crucial decisions in the heat of competition.
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