© Getty ImagesChristian’s Column: Threesy Does ItWe get the thoughts from Christian Horner following the return to track after summer break and the busy triple-header.
Havingjustgotbackfromanepictriple-headeratSpaandMonza–withanepicDutchGrandPrixsandwichedinthemiddle–it’snearlytimetoflyouttoSochifortheRussianGP.
But before we head to the airport, we caught up with Team Principal Christian Horner to discuss those three races in a little more detail and the tantalising title fight between Max and Lewis Hamilton.
Christian Reflecting On The Three Races© Getty Images
I’m back in the office and for once, I’m happy to be away from the racetrack! Triple headers are always brutal on the travelling staff as we move from race to race, but it also impacts on the backroom staff, who the public don't get to see.
This season, the workload has been particularly intense for a number of reasons. We’re in a close championship battle and the team is all in. To a person, the dedication is just exceptional. Everyone’s working flat out with a common goal – to win both championships.
We’re also working within the constraints of a tight budget cap. The consumption of parts is significant with these cars, so when you have three races bunched together, it’s inevitable that extra work is required at the factory. We’ve also picked up a bit of accident damage along the way in those races, which has put a lot of pressure on the system, so the staff in the backroom are feeding the machine to keep it all going.
However, to come through those three races having won once, taken pole in all three and regained the lead in the championship, it has been a positive period for us.
Taking In The Atmosphere At The Racetrack© Getty Images
We’re witnessing one of the great sporting rivalries, not just within Formula 1, but within the sporting world for a generation. It’s intense and the stakes are high. It’s hugely competitive and nothing is being given up without a fight by either side.
Also from our perspective, it’s hugely enjoyable to be back in a competitive position fighting for a world championship. After all, when was the last time a Mercedes car was not leading the championship at this stage of the year?
Since the summer break, Max has been in great form. His pole lap at Spa, in difficult conditions, was phenomenal and gained us the points there.
His performance under immense pressure in Holland and all the expectations placed on his shoulders, was incredible.
And in Monza, the way we worked as a team to get third place on the grid in qualifying and his drive in the sprint qualifying, which got him second place that in turn became pole for the race, all while securing vital championship points, was very impressive.
As for the race itself, we knew McLaren would be a big opponent in Italy because their cars are well-suited to that venue. Daniel Ricciardo made a good start and Max pushed him as hard as he could, but we couldn’t overtake.
Great Rivalry At Monza© Getty Images
Then there was a rare human error in our pit stop, as a result of the new Technical Directive but nonetheless something we need to learn from.
That slow stop put Max out of synch from where he should’ve been on track. Mercedes compounded that situation as they faltered with their own stop on Hamilton's car, which meant both drivers were neck and neck.
Both drivers knew they needed to be ahead because of the difficulty to overtake. Max was keen to seize the momentum and Lewis was eager to retain track position.
It was an awkward shunt, but both drivers were instantly able to confirm they were ok. With Lewis trying to reverse and get back in the race, even the medical car didn’t see the need to deploy. I’m grateful the halo did its job. I think even the most vocal of doubters have now changed their mind about it.
I still share the same belief today - both played a part in it and it is difficult to apportion blame to one side more than the other. If the FIA wanted to make a statement, they could’ve imposed the same penalty on both drivers but the fault was deemed to be more on Max's side and, because he didn’t finish the race, the only option was to give him a grid penalty, which we accept.
Significant Clash At First Chicane© Getty Images
I still have the 'Super Max' song ringing in my head! I’ve never experienced a crowd like that. All those Dutch fans were having one hell of a party on the other side of the fence.
The promoter created such a vibe it was more like a scene from an Ibiza nightclub rather than a racetrack. The energy levels were insane and with it came all the expectations. And then the King turned up!
I have to say, the way Max dealt with that was phenomenal. It’s worth remembering, whilst he has been in F1 for seven seasons he’s still only 23 years old. He kept his head and did not allow the pressure of the occasion to get to him. Even after the race, he was measured and was not diving into the crowd. He handled that pressure and showed maturity way beyond his years.
Many times you go to drivers’ home races and the expectation has been too much for them, but the way he handled it was impressive.
It really was a tremendous event. I was staying in a motorhome as Max's neighbour but he kept himself to himself and was straight on his PlayStation every evening, so I was pleased that Geri came with me, otherwise I wouldn’t have had anyone to talk to!
Victory Celebrations At Zandvoort© Getty Images
In the middle of the three races, we confirmed that Checo would be remaining with the Team for 2022. We felt he’d done enough to warrant another contract. He knew his role this year; to help Max and the Team win the title, but of course with a brand-new car for 2022, with the experience he has, it was the right and logical choice to keep him.
The way he behaved at Monza giving his teammate the tow in each of the sessions, he performed the perfect role as a team player and it was a shame he wasn’t on the podium. But we have some good races coming up for Checo and I have a feeling it’s going to come together. He’s had some bad luck and I think that will turn.
The Mexican GP is going to be something special. I think we can expect to see scenes similar to Zandvoort. It will be brilliant for Checo to experience that level of home support and I’m sure it will inspire him to produce something special. We’re all really looking forward to it.
Sergio Stays for 2022© Getty Images
I was really pleased we were able to help Alex get back on to the grid next year. Williams have strong aspirations and we’ve retained our relationship with Alex for the future.
His focus between now and the end of the season is doing the best he can to support our drivers and the Team and help with next year's car. It will mean he’ll leave a gap because he has performed such a great role, but we are fortunate we have Sebasiten Buemi and Jake Dennis, plus we have young drivers in Jüri Vips and Liam Lawson, so we don't have a shortage of talent to call upon.
Alex Albon Excited To Be Back© Getty Images
The Red Bull Powertrains project is gathering pace with every week. The construction is on target and it’s great to see the building really taking shape. All the roofing is going on and the dyno will start arriving next month.
It’s really starting to come together and the effort going into it is impressive. We’re attracting some great talent and we also have a strong youth policy to bring in some graduates and students into the programme.
We want to give youth a chance and are looking for candidates who think differently and come from all spectrums and backgrounds. We’ll have a number of scholarships and apprenticeships. It really is a great opportunity and seeing the appeal of this project with the calibre of individuals we’re attracting, is so exciting.
I was looking through the results at the Russian Grand Prix and back in 2018, Max went from last to first before needing to make his pit stop. We were second there last year but it’s a circuit we have never won at.
It has been a Mercedes stronghold. For me, Monza and Sochi, I’ve them marked down mentally as Mercedes circuits so it will be a challenge.
We have the grid penalty to take for Max too, but in Sochi it’s not such a handicap because of the strength of the tow down to turn one. I’m looking forward to it and seeing how we get on.
Sochi Up Next© Getty Images
