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Principle of racing in doubt during Leclerc/Verstappen's Austria investigation

"Principle of racing" in doubt during Leclerc/Verstappen's Austria investigation

16-08-2019 17:15

Christian Horner says that the "principles of racing" were in doubt during the lengthy investigation following Max Verstappen's forceful move for the lead on Charles Leclerc at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen completed a terrific drive to take his first race win of the season at the Red Bull Ring, but it wasn't without controversy as he forced Leclerc's Ferrari off the track at turn three as he finally made the move stick.

The move was under investigation for hours following the chequered flag, but the end result was no further action, to the relief of everyone at Red Bull.

Horner recently told Autosport: "Of course, you never know which way the stewards are going to go but to me it was so clear cut.

"[For] every driver from karting upwards, it would have moved away from every single principle of racing.

"In a move like that, the door was left open, Max was slightly ahead at the apex and from an onboard [camera perspective] it was up to him to dictate the corner.

"For me, there should never have been any doubt but obviously the stewards had to have a good look at it."