Christian Horner insists against strict action against Max Verstappen after eventful F1 race in Hungary

Christian Horner believes that Max Verstappen is well aware of the requirements of F1, in response to criticism over the Dutchman’s late night virtual racing before the Hungarian GP. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, after the race, the Red Bull Racing boss sidestepped questions related to taking strict action against the reigning drivers' champion and his video gaming commitments on race weekends.

Verstappen had taken part in the virtual 24 hours of Spa which ended at 3 AM on the night before race day. Many criticized the Dutchman’s frustration and mistakes during the Hungarian GP as a result of his virtual racing. Horner tried to dodge questions about whether his lead driver should have simulator racing commitments on a race weekend.

Asked if Max Verstappen can be racing until 3 AM with the competition closing up in the F1 championship standings, Horner replied:

“Look he knows exactly what's required in a grand prix and we trust his judgement.”

Probed further by onsite media on whether the team needed to discipline the Dutchman regarding his simulator commitments or behavior on the radio, the Red Bull Racing CEO said:

“I think people draw conclusions. Max is a, he knows what's required, he knows what it takes to drive a grand prix car, to win races, and be a world champion. As a team, we know we always work as a team and whatever discussions on how to improve will always not take place in front of the media.”

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Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen has agreed not to drive sim races until late night in the future

Helmut Marko reckons that there has been a mutual agreement with Max Verstappen to avoid late-night virtual races on the simulator. The senior Red Bull Racing advisor believes that the simulator race participation was a result of another driver dropping out of his team.

The 26-year-old world champion has his team Red Line Racing, whom he has been racing with for the last seven years. In Imola, he had driven the 24 hours of the Nürburgring sim race which ended just four hours before the F1 race start. He not only won the race on the simulator, but also the F1 race after. His midnight endeavors caught the attention of his critics after the Hungary race, leading to speculation whether it was a wise option with Red Bull struggling in recent events.

Writing in his column on Speedweek, Marko commented on Max Verstappen and his simulator race saying:

“In Imola, after a sim racing operation, he only goes to bed at three o'clock at night - and then won the Grand Prix. Max has a different sleep rhythm, and he had his seven hours of sleep. His sim assignment on the Hungarian weekend at a late hour only came about because a driver had failed in his team. Nevertheless, we have agreed that he will no longer drive simulations so late in the future."

Max Verstappen is ranked as one of the best simulator drivers in the world. He often has his portable simulator rig set up both in his team motorhome and hotels while traveling for races. His lead in the championship has reduced from 84 points to 76 points, whereas Red Bull’s lead in the constructors has been cut to 51 points. Given that both margins can diminish quickly, the Milton Keynes squad is in a race against time to defend their lead by maximizing their race weekends.