Horner: Chuck F1 form book away after ‘important’ US GP win

Christian Horner says the form book should be chucked away for the Formula 1 title run-in after Red Bull’s “important” victory at the United States Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s aggressive strategy helped Max Verstappen triumph over championship rival Lewis Hamilton in Austin, handing the team its first win at the circuit in the V6 hybrid era.

Verstappen’s eighth win of 2021 saw him to extend his lead over Hamilton in the drivers’ standings to 12 points with five races remaining.

Red Bull boss Horner acknowledged the significance of the team’s victory given the Circuit of the Americas has traditionally been a strong track for Mercedes in recent years.

“They are all important, but this is a big one, because this has been such a stronghold of Lewis and Mercedes,” Horner said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.

“So to get the pole was a landmark moment for us, and then to convert into a win, even not leading on the first lap.”

Red Bull is regarded as favourites for the Mexican Grand Prix in two weeks time, with the high altitude known to suit the Honda power unit.

But while Red Bull won back-to-back races in Mexico in 2017 and 2018, Horner says its victory in Austin means its too close to call who will have the upper hand.

“I think you’ve got to chuck the form book away,” he said. “It’s very tight between the two teams. Mexico has been a good track for us, but it’s been a good track for them as well, on occasion. So we don’t we don’t underestimate them.”

Verstappen was joined on the podium by Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, meaning it reduced Mercedes’ advantage in the constructors’ championship to 23 points.

But while momentum has now shifted in Red Bull’s favour, Horner stressed it cannot get complacent, urging his team to “keep attacking” in the remaining races.

“You’ve got to attack. So 12 points is nothing, it can disappear very, very quickly, as we’ve seen previously.” Horner said.

“So we’ve got to keep attacking race weekends and get the most out of them that we possibly can. And five to go, the pressure only gets bigger.”