The Red Bull team has revealed that Max Verstappen’s trip into the barriers after an incident with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has cost them around €1.5 million.
In a column on the team’s website, Christian Horner said they’re still considering whether they should request a review of the incident with Hamilton last Sunday at Silverstone.
They have just 14 days from the day of the incident occurring to request a further investigation if “a significant and relevant new element is discovered which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned” – according to the FIA.
Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty after the stewards found him to be ‘predominantly at fault’ for the crash in their report.
However, even after serving the pit penalty, the British world champion managed to fight back and win the British Grand Prix after a Lap 50 overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
In his post-race column, Horner said; “It is no secret that we felt at the time, and still feel, that Hamilton was given a light penalty for this type of incident.
“Given the severity of the incident and the lenient penalty, we are reviewing all data and have the right to request a review. We are therefore still looking at the evidence and considering all of our sporting options.
“The other significant factor is the cost-cap element of this. That crash has cost us approximately $1.8million (€1.5m) and an accident like that has massive ramifications in a budget cap era.”
He then continued in reference to comments made by Mercedes regarding their response to the accident saying; “I would like to make it clear.
“This was an on-track incident between two of the best drivers in the world.
“At the point in time when you have a driver in hospital and the extent of any injuries have not yet been made clear, your car has been written off and the stewards have penalised the driver seen to be responsible, it is natural that emotion comes into play, for all involved, whether you feel wronged or victorious.”
