Horner on Austrian Grand Prix: 'A very frustrating race'

Published on 05 July 2020 by Julien Lemmen

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing had a very disappointing Austrian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen retired early in the race, while running in second place, while teammate Alex Albon was in a strong position at the end of the race. Albon tried to overtake Hamilton for P2, but the two drivers hit eachother and Albon fell back to last place. Eventually Albon also had to retire due to technical problems.

Team principal Christian Horner reflects after the race: “It was a very frustrating first race and I’m almost lost for words. Losing Max early on whilst he was running in second place on a better tyre was obviously painful but we still had Alex in a good position. Alex was putting in a very strong performance, strategically we got the call right to concede a position to the Racing Point but take on a new soft tyre. At the re-start Alex passed Lewis and inexplicably for the second time in three races Lewis has hit him and taken him out of the race. It was clearly a mis-judgement by Lewis which he received a penalty for but that still cuts deep for Alex. We then had to retire the car with what looks like a PU issue, which will now be investigated. It’s hugely frustrating to come away from this race with a double DNF and no points, when we could have been in a position to win. The positives are that we looked to be having a competitive race but we still have a bit of pace to find ahead of next weekend.”