F1 News
Horner had no doubt Verstappen would avoid Austrian Grand Prix penalty
- Bobby Vincent
After Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc collided in Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix, the FIA launched an investigation, but Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner was convinced his driver would avoid a penalty for the incident.
On lap 69/71, Verstappen went to overtake Leclerc and their wheels touched whilst passing the Ferrari driver. Leclerc was left furious on the team radio and the stewards undertook an investigation following the race and the result was not confirmed until about 18:00 (GMT).
Horner admitted his and his team's nerves when they were facing the wait for the confirmed result, but the Red Bull team principal also said he was convinced Verstappen would still be given the victory in the team's home race.
"It was close racing, he had won the competition in the braking area," Horner said to Crash.net. "There was a touch, as Charles turned in, but I thought it was good racing, tough racing. He was slightly ahead, got to the apex first, it was checkmate.
"Then he got his head down and was pulling away. To win here in Austria, Red Bull car, to get Honda's first win as well since 2006, in the style and the manner he did, it was the perfect day for us.
"We were completely convinced it was okay. Then it goes to the stewards, at that point you don't know. Tom Kristensen and the stewards up there today have made absolutely the right choice. One day it will go against us. It was hard racing, fair racing, it's what Formula 1 should be."