Christian Horner Stunned by McLaren’s Bold Call in Thrilling Imola Showdown

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed disbelief at McLaren’s risky decision to let drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris battle it out during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, narrowly avoiding disaster in a tense finish at Imola.

In the race’s closing stages, Norris attempted a daring overtake on teammate Piastri after McLaren chose not to instruct Norris to pass the championship leader during a safety-car restart. The move was part of a strategy to challenge Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the lead. However, despite Norris’s bold maneuver with five laps to go, he couldn’t close the gap to Verstappen, who secured only his second victory of the 2025 season.

McLaren’s Close Call at Imola

Speaking to the media post-race, Horner lauded McLaren’s bravery but admitted he was surprised they allowed their drivers to settle the score on track. “It was commendable that they were allowed to race, but you could see how close it got,” Horner said. “At some point, self-interest will always outweigh team interest, so they did a good job to avoid contact.”

Horner also acknowledged McLaren’s strong pace, noting, “Today, we had the speed to counter whatever they threw at us. They’ve got two drivers fighting for a world championship, and they managed it well.”

Verstappen’s Masterclass Steals the Show

Verstappen’s win was anchored by a breathtaking overtake on Piastri during the opening lap, allowing him to seize control and maintain his lead under pressure. The victory provided a vital boost to his campaign for a fifth consecutive world championship, especially after a turbulent start to the season.

The 27-year-old Dutch driver, now paired with Yuki Tsunoda following Liam Lawson’s early exit from Red Bull, has faced persistent questions about his future amid rumors of discontent within the team. Yet, heading into the Monaco Grand Prix, Verstappen trails championship leader Piastri by just 18 points, with renewed momentum and confidence.

Monaco Grand Prix Set for More Drama

The F1 world now turns its attention to Monaco, where a significant rule change has been confirmed following an official meeting, promising to shake up the iconic race. Verstappen’s resurgence, combined with McLaren’s aggressive tactics, sets the stage for another electrifying weekend.