F1 News
Wolff and Horner agree for a change: "It was just games"
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen caused some concern at Red Bull Racing in the closing stages of a highly dominant race. The Dutchman decided to have a little chat with Valtteri Bottas, who was trying to take Verstappen's fastest lap on new tyres. Toto Wolff, on the other hand, thinks that this kind of mutual duel should be allowed, calling it nothing more than 'a bit games'.
Red Bull and Mercedes both admit that games were played between Verstappen and Bottas, but stress that their drivers did it by the book. Wolff therefore does not see what Verstappen could have done wrong by duelling with the Finn.
Wolff sees duel for fastest lap as harmless game
"Yes, it was just games," the Mercedes team boss explains to Motorsport.com. "Max noticed that Valtteri was going for the fastest lap and slowed him down, which he has absolutely every right to do."
Verstappen's plan seemed to work, because Bottas came in for another set of tyres shortly after. After this, the Finn had just one lap to clock up the fastest lap. He did, but the extra point is not awarded because he finished outside the top ten. Mercedes did prevent Red Bull from equalling the constructors' championship.
Horner feels anxious
Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner says the moments with Bottas scared the hell out of him, but agrees there's nothing wrong with that in principle. "It was definitely not good for our blood pressure," he says. "It was clear that there were some games being played, because Max was keen to keep the fastest race lap."
"That's why he tried to use the blue flag to make sure Valtteri gave him priority, and then Mercedes pulled him in. We were obviously not going to do the same to Max," Horner concluded.