Horner has no interest in Red Bull blame game

RED BULL RACING team principal Christian Horner has no qualms with neither of his drivers apologising or taking the blame for their torrid time in Turkey.

The accident between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber at Istanbul Park that wrecked a one-two bid may have been 12 days ago, but the fall-out from it has continued with Sunday’s race looming in Canada.

In particular, Vettel remains staunchly adamant there was nothing wrong with his manoeuvre that resulted in him spinning out and Webber requiring a new front wing, relegating him to third.

The 22-year-old German would certainly appear to be most at fault for turning in too early as he attempted to complete his overtake on Australian Webber.

Despite apparent clear-the-air talks at the team’s Milton Keynes headquarters last Thursday, the only outcome would seem to be the divide between them has widened.

Asked if he was okay that neither of his driver had admitted they were at fault, Horner replied: “Absolutely. It’s not a matter of who is right or wrong. Both drivers accept it was a really bad outcome for the team, and for them. Both lost out and lost points, Sebastian obviously more than Mark.

“Was it wrong to allow the drivers to race each other? I don’t think it was. If we want processions then we will tell the drivers after the start to hold position. But that’s not what Red Bull is about, not what our beliefs of grand prix racing should be about.

“Therefore we’ll continue to allow the drivers to race each other, but expect they respect each other as team-mates, as they have done on so many different occasions during the last 18 months.”

Horner has also strongly refuted suggestions of favouritism towards Vettel.

“We support both drivers absolutely equally,” said Horner. “Up to lap 39 the Turkish Grand Prix was set to be our biggest victory.

“We had out-strategised McLaren, out-performed them as a team at the pit stops and so on, so it was desperately disappointing to lose that grand prix victory.

“But the drivers have had constructive discussions following it. We’ve moved on. We’re focused on this race, and it’s business as usual.”

Horner believes people forget Red Bull Racing are still a young team in only their sixth season.

“From a team perspective it’s a voyage of discovery because we are still young. The progress we have made over the last five years is quite remarkable,” said Horner.

“To have two cars racing at the front competing for a grand prix victory is testimony to the hard work and effort that has gone in.”