Red Bull faced "worst nightmare" in "brutal" end to Bahrain GP - Christian Horner

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen — Photo: © LAT Images

Bahrain Grand Prix

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Red Bull faced "worst nightmare" in "brutal" end to Bahrain GP - Horner

Both Red Bulls retired in the final laps

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Sunday 20 March 2022 19:30 Updated: 11:24

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has bemoaned the team's "worst nightmare" coming true in a "brutal" finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Red Bull entered the opening weekend of the season clear favourites for the win but having battled with Charles Leclerc for the lead midway through the race, Max Verstappen looked set to finish for second.

But in the laps leading up to a late safety car period, the reigning world champion's RB18 developed an issue that rapidly deteriorated, resulting in Verstappen pulling into the pits and retiring.

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Sergio Perez was promoted into third but having fended-off Lewis Hamilton for the final podium position suffered an issue of his own on the final lap to complete a double retirement for Red Bull.

"[It was] a brutal finish to the race for us," said Horner.

"What looked like a decent haul of points suddenly evaporated in the last couple of laps there.

"It looks like a similar issue in both cars. Don't know exactly what it is yet, whether it is the lift pump or the collector or something along those lines but we have got to get into it and figure out exactly what has caused it."

"Very disappointing to lose 30 points. I think the positive side for us was we had a very competitive car.

"I don't think we had quite the pace of Charles today but some great racing between Max and Charles and yeah, when you look at a season's perspective, we need to get on top of whatever it was today and come back stronger next weekend."

On his feelings when seeing the team's points haul dramatically slip away, Horner added: "I can't remember the last time that happened to us but it is obviously your worst nightmare.

"It is hugely disappointing, not only to lose the podium with Max but also on the last lap to lose the podium with Checo as well. He had done the hard work into turn one, he had held off Lewis and anyway, we will fight back next weekend.

"The positive is we have got a strong basis."