Lewis Hamilton accused of "kidology" by Christian Horner

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the podium in France — Photo: © LAT Images

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Hamilton accused of "kidology" by Horner

Hamilton trails Verstappen by 32 points

Ewan Gale

Thursday 15 July 2021 05:00

Christian Horner has continued his offensive against Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton by suggesting the F1 world champion "loves a bit of kidology".

Hamilton has suggested that championship leader Max Verstappen and Red Bull are beginning to "run away" with the titles as the team heads into the British Grand Prix weekend with five wins on the bounce.

Red Bull team principal Horner insisted on BBC Radio 4 that it is "so early in the season to talk about running away with anything".

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"Lewis loves a bit of kidology, trying to move the spotlight away from himself which is part of the gamesmanship of any sport.

"It is such a long season and with 29 points available this weekend a 32-point lead can vanish very quickly."

"He is going to be fighting incredibly hard. Silverstone has been a stronghold for Lewis, it has been a stronghold for the team.

"[7 wins] is an immense record. We are going to have to be at the top of our game to beat them but if we can beat them at Silverstone then there is nothing we should fear for the rest of the championship."

Horner lists three factors in Red Bull revival

Red Bull's recent form has put them in a prime position to reclaim the constructors' championship for the first time since 2013.

Asked what factors had led to the upturn in fortunes, Horner said: "I think as always, it is a combination of factors. First of all, it is how the team have operated, particularly during the pandemic, working as a team, as a close-knit unit..."

When put to him that he sounded like England football manager Gareth Southgate, Horner added: "All respect to Gareth with what he has achieved, unfortunate not to see them get that final [UEFA Euro 2020] trophy but wow.

"It is about the culture and I think that is one element. Another is Honda delivering on their side, they have done a wonderful job with the engine and then, of course, you need the drivers to be doing their bit and I think Max, in particular, this season has really hit a purple patch of form and driving with great maturity and very ably backed by Sergio Perez in the other car.

On what Verstappen's standout qualities are, he replied: "Well one, his outright natural pace.

"I think also his tenacity, he has that won't give up, won't leave anything on the table tenacity. He is a tenacious racer and now I think he has gelled that with the experience he has as well.

"He has put in some phenomenal performances this year."