
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed Max Verstappen’s massive crash in British Grand Prix cost them approximately $1.8 million.
Helmut Marko – Red Bull Racing advisor initially projected the repairs would cost the team €750,000, but the final amount is much bigger than expected.
Title contenders Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided at the Copse corner as they fight for the top podium of the race. Following Max’s race ended up in the wall and was taken to hospital as a cautionary measure, having recorded a 51G impact, which resulted in a red flag and a provisional race stoppage.
“It is no secret that we felt at the time, and still feel, that Hamilton was given a light penalty for this type of incident,” Horner wrote in his article on Red Bull’s official website.
“Given the severity of the incident and the lenient penalty, we are reviewing all data and have the right to appeal the decision. We are therefore still looking at the evidence and considering all of our sporting options.
“The other significant factor is the cost-cap element of this. That crash has cost us approximately $1.8 million and an accident like that has massive ramifications in a budget cap era.”
Horner still disappointed with post-race victory celebration. The Brit extremely celebrated British GP victory at Silverstone in front of his 140,000 spectators, after recovering from a 10-second penalty for a first-lap collision with Max.
“I am also still disappointed about the level of celebrations enjoyed in the wake of the accident,” Horner added.
“The Mercedes team were aware of the gravity of the crash with Max widely reported as having been hospitalised and requiring further checks.
“It is unimaginable not to inform your driver of the situation, moreover to protect your driver in case they do not show the necessary restraint in celebrating, particularly when it was as a result of an incident he was penalised for.”