Red Bull have given their response to Mercedes' pair of protests following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, saying they are "disappointed" but that it's "what we've come to expect this year". Mercedes have lodged two separate protests , one of which is against Max Verstappen and the other against the result of the Grand Prix, meaning team representatives from both sides are off to visit the stewards. The grounds for the protests are based on Articles 48.12 and 48.8 of the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations.
Red Bull "disappointed" by protests
Horner gave his reaction to the news when doing his rounds of interviews with global media after the race. "They are now lodging a protest, or two protests. But you know, it's been that kind of season," Horner told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo . "We trust in the stewards, hopefully, to make the right decision. "I don't think it's good for anybody. A quick conclusion [is needed]. [Verstappen's] won the World Championship, they cannot take that away. "It's disappointing that the protests have been made, but I guess that's what we've come to expect this year."
Further praise for Verstappen
Horner took another moment to praise Verstappen for the performances he delivered throughout 2021 to beat Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to the title. "Max has just driven an unbelievable season. We needed a little bit of luck," added Horner. "He's had so much bad luck this year [with the incidents in] Azerbaijan Silverstone, Budapest - to name three races. Finally, Nicholas Latifi ! "We were desperate for Safety Car, we got it, Mercedes didn't pit, we pitted. He needed to make it work and that's what he did. "We're very, very proud of the way he's driven not just this race, but this whole season."
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