F1 title race "scrutiny" leading to FIA verdict delays - Christian Horner

Red Bull

F1 title race "scrutiny" leading to FIA verdict delays - Horner

Decisions have taken nearly a day on three occasions in recent weeks

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Sunday 28 November 2021 08:00

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has defended the time taken during FIA investigations in recent times due to the "scrutiny" the F1 title race has put on stewards.

Lewis Hamilton's disqualification from qualifying in Brazil took almost 18 hours to be announced after being summoned to the stewards, whilst Mercedes' right to review hearing over Max Verstappen's defence during the same weekend took the best part of 24 hours to be resolved.

It then took until just hours before the Qatar Grand Prix for Valtteri Bottas and Verstappen to be given grid penalties for ignoring yellow flags in qualifying.

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Whilst those following the sport expressed dismay at the lengthy processes, Horner stressed the pressure of the title battle between Mercedes and Red Bull had led to the delays.

"It's an unusual amount of time but with what's at stake there is huge scrutiny going into each of these decisions," said Horner.

"They're very conscious they want to make the right decision so it doesn't leave them open to scrutiny.

"So therefore they are taking their time to come to conclusions."

FIA may give Horner presentation at steward seminar

After landing himself in hot water with the FIA for comments made in the wake of learning of Verstappen's grid penalty at Losail, Horner volunteered to attend a stewards' seminar.

Asked what it would entail, Horner explained: "Something over Zoom, or to answer some questions."

"The marshals do a great job, so if it can be of benefit, why not."

FIA race director Michael Masi commented: “He volunteered to attend.

"It’s a two-day stewards’ seminar so there is lots that is discussed over those two days. There will be lots of topics and we might give him a topic to present.”