Christian Horner Promises Lifetime Supply Of Red Bull For Nicholas Lafiti After Max Verstappen's Formula One Win

Christian Horner has promised to give Williams Racing's Nicholas Latifi a lifetime supply of Red Bull after he inadvertently played a key role in Max Verstappen's dramatic first Formula One world title win.

Latifi crashed into the barriers with six laps to go and a safety car was introduced.

Lewis Hamilton had been leading the race throughout and looked set to win his eighth world title having been 11 seconds ahead of Verstappen.

In regards to the safety car, the instruction from FIA officials at first was that lapped cars weren't allowed to overtake.

Yet the rule was abolished and Verstappen, having pitted for fresh, softer tyres late on, completed an incredible overtake in the final lap before dashing towards the finish lane.

And Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing, admits he owes Latifi a can of Red Bull or a thousand after the miracle he called for ended up happening.

"He’ll be getting a lifetime supply of Red Bull for sure," he told Channel 4.

The 48-year-old also extended his gratitude to Latifi in an interview with Sky Sports, saying: "Thank you Nicholas Latifi for that safety car, and I have to say with the stewards, we felt hard done by early in the race, but they did great to get the race growing again.

"But it's been an insane competition, and for Max to win the world championship it's not just about here, it's about a whole year.

"And I have to say full credit to Lewis, he's been a phenomenal opponent all year, he's a great world champion, and that's what makes it even more valid to win this."

Mercedes lodged two protests over the manner in which the result achieved.

One was regarding Verstappen overtaking behind the safety car that was deployed, while the other was in relation to why only a certain number of lapped cars were allowed to pass by before the restart.

However, it was announced last night that both protests had been dismissed by FIA officials, with Verstappen remaining the champion.

A document from the stewards was sent out to all teams detailing a meeting between all involved parties and the decision reached.

Mercedes are still not happy with letting the call stand though and have lodged their intention to appeal as they look to take the matter further.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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