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Horner calls out McLaren's changes: "There will be a difference"
Red Bull and McLaren are caught in battles both on-track and off-track this season. Of course, on track, we know that they are going head to head in the constructors' championship, as are Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the drivers' championship. But off-track, both teams are also involved in a fierce battle regarding car development and regulations.
As is always the case in Formula 1, innovation and ingenuity to find as much pace as possible within the regulations is a part of the sport, with teams trying every trick in the book to take them to the front of the grid.
Red Bull and McLaren have been at the forefront of this as well in their off-track battle, with the British team questioning the use of a device by Red Bull that could adjust the front bib height whilst in Parc Ferme conditions. However, McLaren and their 'flexi-wing' used at the rear of the car was questioned by Red Bull after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The FIA looked into it at the request of the Austrian team, and McLaren were forced to modify their rear wing at the urgent request of the FIA.
Horner fires back after Brown's comments
After McLaren discovered that the Red Bull front bib could be used to change the ride height, CEO Zak Brown revealed at the United States Grand Prix that Red Bull's executive should be held accountable and wants the Austrian team to sign a legal document.
In Austin, Texas, team boss Horner was asked about the changes made to the McLaren car after the FIA's request, and he fired back by saying: "As you say, small details do make a difference. Particularly when the cars have converged as they have, it's all about marginal gains. That's what Formula One is all about. So yes, inevitably there will be a difference from it. How material it is will vary from circuit to circuit."
Of course, Verstappen and Red Bull increased their advantage to 57 points in the drivers' championship after the Dutchman won the sprint race and placed P3 in the main race. He finished ahead of Norris in both races.
This article was created in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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