Horner denies Verstappen pushed Red Bull to protest Russell’s Canadian GP win

Red Bull brag Christian Horner has denied that Max Verstappen had immoderate relation successful the team's determination to officially protestation George Russell's Canadian Grand Prix win.

The Dutchman finished successful 2nd spot successful Montreal, down the Mercedes driver, who came from rod presumption to his archetypal triumph of the season.

Due to their proximity connected way earlier the commencement of the race, determination were expected comments astir a imaginable clash betwixt the 2 drivers, fixed their arguable collision successful the erstwhile contention successful Spain.

The contention was a just battle, but during the precocious information car period, which yet gave Russell the win, the Briton appeared to dilatory down capable to astonishment Verstappen, starring to a little overtaking.

Verstappen instantly complained to the engineers that Russell was driving erratically, and combined with the content that helium was much than 10 car lengths distant from the information car, Red Bull decided to lodge an authoritative protest.

However, Verstappen showed nary signs of choler aft the race, prompting Mercedes brag Toto Wolff to reason that helium had nary portion successful Red Bull's decision, which helium called "petty" and "disgraceful".

Speaking to the media aft the race, Horner confirmed Wolff's theory. When asked if Verstappen persuaded the squad to protest, Horner replied:

"No, not astatine all. Max talked to you (the media), and I didn't adjacent cognize astir it. Every squad has the close to lodge a protest, it costs 2,000 euros per protest. We were amazed that the incidental was not instantly recorded and referred to the referees, truthful we utilized the close to bash it ourselves, which is wherefore Max and the others are present successful beforehand of the referees."

Horner confirmed that Red Bull asked the contention absorption to 'monitor the situation'

After qualifying, erstwhile asked astir a imaginable duel with Verstappen successful the archetypal corner, Russell jokingly said: "I've got a fewer much points connected my driving licence to play with."

Horner reacts

Horner took Russell's comments much seriously, saying helium seemingly had a "clear aim" to provoke Verstappen into a determination that could gain him a 12th punishment constituent and frankincense a one-race suspension.

The Brit praised Verstappen, saying helium drove "perfectly cleanable each play and had a large race".

When asked if helium had formally spoken to contention manager Rui Marques astir the anticipation of provoking Verstappen, Horner confirmed:
"We lone told them: delight wage attraction to it, due to the fact that definite statements person already been made successful the media, truthful fto them travel the situation."