Christian Horner has escaped punishment from the FIA after he landed himself in hot water for outspoken remarks made ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Red Bull boss was left fuming over a five-place grid penalty handed to his title challenger, Max Verstappen, for Monday’s race, which was won by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen was deemed to have breached rules in qualifying for passing under double-waved yellow flags.
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Horner was none too pleased with the penalty, and let his feelings be known before the race when he suggested the marshall who waved the flags had acted alone.
“We’re really struggling to understand it. It looks like a complete balls-up,” Horner said on Sky Sports.
“I think it’s just a rogue marshall that stuck a flag out. He’s not instructed to by the FIA, they’ve got to have control of the marshals. It’s as simple as that.
“That’s a crucial blow in the championship for us. We’re now starting P7 at a track you can’t overtake at. That is massive.”
Verstappen was able to limit the damage by finishing second, but had his lead to Hamilton reduced to just eight points with two races remaining.
Horner was summoned to the stewards after the race where he was forced to explain his remarks that were in breach of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
Under the code, “any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA” are banned.
Horner, however, escaped with a warning after he offered to personally apologise to the marshall involved, and to participate in a stewards program next year.
“He explained that his reaction was one that was made under the pressure of competition following the penalty imposed on the driver of Car 33,” the stewards said, according to Sky Sports.
“The Stewards explained that the marshal concerned was doing his job in precisely the manner prescribed in the International Sporting Code.
“Mr Horner offered to apologise to the marshal concerned and to explain to the media that he meant no offence. He also offered to participate in the 2022 FIA International Stewards Programme in early February.
“The Stewards unreservedly accept Mr Horner’s offer.”