Horner's Message to McLaren After Race: A Bit of Shade, a Lot of Respect
The 2023 F1 season has been a rollercoaster ride for Red Bull, with the team battling both technical issues and fierce competition from their rivals. But after securing a crucial victory at the Italian Grand Prix, Christian Horner had some choice words for a team that's been giving them a real run for their money: McLaren.
The race at Monza was a nail-biter. Max Verstappen's Red Bull was in a tough spot, fighting off a persistent Lando Norris in the McLaren. The whole race was a tense back-and-forth, and while Max ultimately emerged victorious, it was clear that McLaren's performance was a real threat to Red Bull's dominance.
So, what did Horner have to say? Well, he took a moment to give Norris his due: "Lando drove a fantastic race," he said, "He was really pushing Max."
But then, things got a little bit spicy. Horner added, "It's great to see McLaren back in the fight," before cheekily stating, "Maybe they should have stayed that way for a few more years."
This little jab was clearly directed at the 2022 season, where McLaren had a strong start to the year before falling back later on. It was a reminder that while McLaren is clearly back in contention, they still have a way to go to consistently challenge Red Bull for the championship.
The message from Horner was a mix of respect and a healthy dose of F1 rivalry. He acknowledged McLaren's strength, but also emphasized that Red Bull are still the team to beat. It's a classic example of how F1's competitive spirit can lead to some spicy moments, but also a testament to the respect that exists between these two powerhouse teams.
Let's be honest, the F1 season is a lot more fun when the competition is hot! And with McLaren back in the mix, it's only going to get hotter from here on out.