Horner: Ocon ‘lucky to get away’ with a push from Verstappen

Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner believes Esteban Ocon was “lucky to get away with a push” from Max Verstappen during a heated exchange following their Brazilian Grand Prix collision.

Verstappen lost the lead of the race on Lap 44 when he was spun around by Ocon as the Force India driver attempted to un-lap himself at mid-distance.

Horner: Ocon ‘lucky to get away’ with a push from Verstappen

Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner believes Esteban Ocon was “lucky to get away with a push” from Max Verstappen during a heated exchange following their Brazilian Grand Prix collision.

Verstappen lost the lead of the race on Lap 44 when he was spun around by Ocon as the Force India driver attempted to un-lap himself at mid-distance.

The clash left Verstappen with significant floor damage but he was still able to claim second place, missing out on victory to Lewis Hamilton by just 1.5 seconds.

Remote video URL

Immediately after the race video footage emerged of Verstappen confronting and pushing Ocon multiple times before FIA staff intervened during the post-race weight checks.

“I think Max has been pretty restrained, it cost him a grand prix victory,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.

“He’s driven his heart out with a damaged car – Esteban was lucky to get away with a push to be honest.

“Emotions are running high and I told him to just get yourself under control on the cool down lap,” Horner added.

“He’s lost a victory through no fault of his own today.”

Horner said he could not understand the thinking behind Ocon’s late lunge into Turn 1.

“The lead car has just lapped the Force India and it’s clear you shouldn’t interfere, as a lapped car, with the leader,” he added.

“What on earth Ocon was thinking there, it just beggars belief. Why on earth is he racing the leader?

“He’s a lap down, he doesn’t have the pace and he’s chucked the car up the inside there. It just makes absolutely no sense at all.”

Read More