Wheatley criticises Horner's critique of race directors: 'Put yourself in their shoes'

The first sixty laps of the Grand Prix of Spain may not have been spectacular, but the final laps of the race definitely were. A technical issue with Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages of the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya caused a chain reaction of events.

After the DNF of the Mercedes driver, many drivers headed into the pits for a new set of tires. While the two McLaren men came out on softs, Max Verstappen had to make do with a new set of hards. Verstappen made it clear over the team radio that he was not happy with the tire choice.

The Dutchman became - according to team boss Christian Horner - so frustrated by this that it ultimately led to the controversial moment with George Russell. Horner told the media, including GPblog, after the Grand Prix of Spain that the trouble could have been avoided had the race direction simply communicated whether Verstappen should give back the position or not.

Horner said he could have approached the race director about the incident, but that it was pointless because you get no response from the team. "That's just the policy. I don't know. In the past, I used to get some guidance, but now it's very subjective for the team to do so, while it was debatable whether he was before the apex or not?"

During his time at Red Bull Racing, Wheatley often handled communication with the FIA. In his new role at Stake, this is no longer part of his responsibilities. Asked by GPblog if he misses this communication with the FIA, he laughed: "No, it's actually quite nice not to be involved anymore. After years of talking to the FIA during the race, it's quite nice to hand over that responsibility to Inaki [Rueda]."

"I've had enough drama for now," he continued, still with a smile on his face. "I actually just enjoy my new role and the opportunities I have to add value and provide support in various areas. I'm not saying I'm not involved in those decisions, but I try to help with my experience mainly."

Asked if Wheatley agrees with Horner's statements, and if he feels the same frustration as his former colleague, he said: "In the 19 years I've been a sports director and worked with the FIA, I've spent a lot of time understanding the pressure the race direction faces. Try putting yourself in their shoes too. It's not always the case that this is the only incident they have to look at. Especially after a first round, a lot happens."

"I don't know exactly what Christian wanted to talk about," he continued. "I didn't follow his race as closely as ours. But as I said, I've tried for a long time to understand the pressure on race direction and to understand whether I'm going to get a response or not."