Christian Horner admits that he should have spoken to Mark Webber before qualifying at Silverstone in order to clear up the front wing situation which has seemingly led to another divide within Red Bull Racing, with the first having been sealed following the collision between team-mates at the Turkish Grand Prix in May. However, the Englishman states that all is well.
The situation stems back to Saturday morning, as both Red Bulls ran new front wings. However, with Sebastian Vettel's having failed, Webber's latest component was switched to the German's car before the latter duly clinched pole position later in the afternoon.
Tension then mounted as race winner Webber's comments – 'Not bad for a number two driver!' - were broadcast to television viewers just seconds after the Australian took the chequered flag on Sunday. Despite this, Team Principal Horner stresses that no favouritism is contained inside the Milton Keynes-based outfit, with Webber having already signed a contract for next season.
“There has never been any pressure from Red Bull to favour one driver over the other,” Horner told The Telegraph. “I didn’t have a conversation with Helmut (Marko, team advisor) or anyone from Red Bull regarding the decision to give Sebastian the wing - it was purely a technical decision, which I discussed with Adrian (Newey, Chief Designer).
“My one regret is that I didn’t have time to discuss the issue with Mark personally prior to qualifying, as I’m sure that would have given him a more balanced understanding.” With the media centre at Silverstone having gone up with cheers when Vettel left the track on Lap 1 of the race, Christian went on to deny claims that employees on each side of the garage have engaged in a personal war of words.
“It’s ridiculous,” he continued. “Our mechanics are completely for each other, irrelevant of the car crew - that’s why we have some of the fastest pit-stops in Formula 1. There is one team of mechanics for both drivers and all championship bonuses are based on team position rather than driver, so there is no favouritism at all.”
Horner also talked of the team's Sunday evening party, which featured its drivers singing together. “Mark and I have always enjoyed a very good and transparent relationship,” he continued. “I’ve known him for over a decade and I’ve always supported him, as I do Sebastian.
“They were both up on stage at our post-race party on Sunday, singing together with myself, Adrian and one or two others; you have to remember, this was a great result for the team and it was a hugely emotional occasion - it was great that we all celebrated together with Mark’s family and Seb’s family there as well.”
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