Mixed feelings for Horner after Mexican GP: 'Max fantastic, apologies to Daniel'

Published on 29 October 2018 by Bryan van Berlo

Christian Horner, team principal of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, had the following to say after the the Mexican Grand Prix: “I’m delighted that our team secured a victory here today, but it’s bitter sweet to have lost Daniel who was fighting so hard to maintain second place.”

“It was a fantastic drive by Max. He reacted incredibly quickly at the start and managed to hold his line and re-pass Lewis into turn 1. From there Max controlled the race in an extremely mature manner. We elected to adopt a two-stop strategy to cover the cars behind in what turned out to be a dominant win for Max.”

“The frustration for us as a team is that we didn’t have both drivers on the podium. Daniel lost out at the start after getting a little too much wheel spin but he then settled into a great race pace. Seeing the tyres come off Max’s car at his second stop we elected to leave Daniel out on a one-stop strategy, which he was making work in second place and defending brilliantly against Sebastian.“

“With nine laps to go Daniel had a sudden hydraulic failure which caused him to retire immediately. It is hugely frustrating for the Team not to have both drivers up on the podium, especially when it’s such a great celebration here. Our apologies go to Daniel today and we will fight as hard as we can in the last two races of the season to secure a positive result for him.”

“Thanks to our engine partner, who in challenging conditions provided us with a power unit this weekend that was capable of taking on and beating the best.”

“Congratulations also to Lewis on securing his fifth Formula 1 World Championship which is quite an achievement and puts him amongst the sports’ elite.”