Red Bull principal downplays Lewis Hamilton’s Mexican GP success despite ex-F1 champ’s daring move over Charles Leclerc

In a sport as competitive as Formula 1, achieving second place at the Mexican Grand Prix despite the challenges faced is a testament to Lewis Hamilton’s exceptional driving abilities. The British driver’s strategic decision-making after the race was red-flagged was simply spectacular.

Hamilton provided tough competition to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by overtaking him shortly after the race was resumed. With this performance, the British star has once again proven that he belongs among the elite in Formula 1. However, the Red Bull team boss dismissed his performance, labelling it a ‘stroke of luck.’

Christian Horner claims Hamilton got lucky in Mexico

Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, commented on Hamilton’s performance in the main race, describing it as a stroke of good fortune resulting from Kevin Magnussen’s crash into the Turn 10 barriers on Lap 33. The incident led to all drivers getting a free tire change. Horner insisted that Hamilton’s switch to medium tires proved advantageous, enabling him to overtake Leclerc, who had opted for hard tires.

Horner told Viaplay, “They had a bit of a stroke of luck because they went in very early for a one-stop strategy. I think in the end they would have been beaten by the Ferraris.”

“But it is true that they had good speed and did well in terms of tire wear, as we have seen from them all year.”

However, some considered Horner’s comments ironic, as he admitted that Leclerc’s decision to stick with hard tires was ultimately more beneficial to Red Bull, given that Ferrari mirrored their choice rather than switching to medium tires.

Lewis Hamilton’s fearless overtake of Leclerc earns him second spot

After what felt like an eternity, the former F1 champion showcased his remarkable talent following an unexpected move by the team at the Mexican Grand Prix. He also claimed that Mercedes will be able to provide a far better performance in the upcoming year, 2024.

After a red-flag pass caused by Sergio Perez’s crash, Hamilton executed a race-changing pass on Charles Leclerc. However, the race was red-flagged again after Magnussen’s crash, which opted for the drivers to change into either the conservative Hard C3 rubber tires, which could last till the end of the race or the more ferocious medium ones.

Mercedes opted for the latter, which resulted in Hamilton ultimately grabbing the second position in the race.

Speaking at a post-race interview, Hamilton said, “With great difficulty, just fighting, never giving up just keep pushing with finessing the balance, this is just how you apply the driving and utilize the tyres.” 

“Yeah some days they are meant to do really well and others, so so but today, in Austin we were a 10.”

Do you think Mercedes will be able to hold on to their current position at the upcoming events of this year as well? Tell us in the comment section below.