Red Bull voices concern after 'harsh' Verstappen handling

Christian Horner has issued a robust defence of Max Verstappen and the Dutchman's approach to wheel-to-wheel racing, something that has come under considerable scrutiny in recent weeks.

It is not the first time the Red Bull team principal has had to come to the aide of his star driver, nor is it the first time Verstappen's driving standards have been called into question at large.

The three-time F1 drivers' champion used his knowledge of the racing guidelines to his advantage in the United States Grand Prix, pushing title rival Lando Norris off-track whilst under pressure.

Although the McLaren did get past, he had to do so outside the confines of the circuit and was handed a five-second time penalty, which elevated Verstappen back up into the podium places at the chequered flag.

However, the following week, at the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 61-time grand prix winner twice found himself falling foul of the rules.

Both incidents, again with Norris, incurred 10-second time penalties. The first also saw Verstappen given two penalty points on his FIA super licence.

The second was arguably far more egregious, and caught the ire of a number of pundits. Horner, whilst supporting Verstappen's way of racing, sidestepped the opportunity to defend the second move. 

"For me, the first one was still very, very harsh," the 50-year-old told Sky Sports F1.

"I understand the second one, but the first one I still struggle to understand, particularly when we seen the data afterwards, you can see Lando come off the brakes, take extra speed. He braked later than he did on his fastest lap.

"At this point, he's going a lot more speed, and I really don't think he would have been able to stay on track at that point."

Whilst defending Verstappen's conduct through the first incident, Horner highlighted what he feels is a growing area of concern within the rules surrounding on-track engagement.

The Briton argued that the guidelines are moving in a direction that could fundamentally alter the way F1 drivers do battle, something he is evidently not a fan of.

"Of course, the other car just can't get out the way," Horner added. "I think the problem we've got with the way these rules are going, [is] that always when you're on the outside, you're going to be taking more risk.

"The corner belongs to the inside line. It's very difficult because it's going to change the way that these guys go racing."