Christian Horner and Toto Wolff put their intense rivalry to one side after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, embracing in the paddock as they posed for a memorable photo opportunity. The two team principals have exchanged dig after dig over the past decade but a level of respect remains between the pair.
There was plenty for both team principals to celebrate on Sunday too. In the Red Bull camp, Max Verstappen converted pole position into victory as he saw off the threat of Charles Leclerc to make it seven Grand Prix victories in a row and 19 overall for the season.
On the other side of the garage, Sergio Perez climbed from ninth on the grid to finish fourth, and he would have completed a one-two finish for Red Bull if not for a five-second time penalty that he received following a collision with Lando Norris.
Mercedes were also celebrating when the chequered flag waved at the Yas Marina Circuit. George Russell’s second podium of the season ensured that they pipped rivals Ferrari to second place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, finishing the season three points to the good of the Italian manufacturer.
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The two team principals crossed paths later on Sunday in the paddock, posing for a cheerful picture as they exchanged congratulations following a season that offered mixed fortunes for their respective teams.
Discussing an unprecedented, record-breaking campaign, Horner told Sky Sports F1: “This car is going to go down in this history books as a very special car. To have won 21 out of 22, just missing out on Singapore – which leaves room for improvement!
“What a year, more than anything all the men and women behind the scenes, back in the factory, across the whole business, from the catering staff to the van drivers, to the receptionists, to the designers, to the manufacturing.”
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Wolff also had some congratulatory words for the back-to-back champions, adding: “An exceptional season, they have beaten a lot of records, testimony to a great driver and the engineering team that is Red Bull. Top-notch.”
However, the Mercedes boss made sure to send his own fans a message of gratitude too. “To all of you guys at home and the fans we have, keep believing in us, keep pushing,” he continued. “It’s vice-world champions to take home, we have to reach for the stars and that’s going to happen, I promise.”
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