“They Are Disgraceful Thugs”- Fans Slam Christian Horner for Endorsing “Violence” on George Russell After Max Verstappen Crash

George Russell and Max Verstappen were involved in a first-lap shunt at the 2023 Azerbaijan F1 Sprint. Russell’s car made contact with the RB18’s side pod, causing severe damage and affecting Verstappen’s chances of catching Charles Leclerc up front.

After the sprint was over, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explained why Verstappen was frustrated. Horner felt that the Dutchman had every right to be upset, and said that Russell leaving his “crash helmet on” was good for him.

Fans felt that this was Horner’s way of saying that Verstappen may have rightfully hit him without the helmet. Russell’s fans were livid on social media and slammed the 49-year-old for advocating violence.

“Advocating for violence? You’re all sickos,” a user named Kaley wrote on Twitter.

christian horner just said it was a good job george left his helmet on after the race when max was going off at him???? I’m sorry but what the fuck is wrong with u @redbullracing literally disgusting???? advocating for violence? you’re all sickos

— kaley 🏁 (@kayldavenport) April 29, 2023

“Spoken like a true hood rat,” Throttle #44 added. “They are disgraceful thugs.”

spoken like a true hood rat that they are disgraceful thugs

— Throttle #44 (@HammerWatch44) April 29, 2023

Horner, who advocated strongly for mental health after cheating allegations were thrown at Red Bull in 2022, is now facing the heat for allegedly endorsing violence.

Toxic Horner as usual. For someone who was advocating so much about mental health, he is now endorsing physical assault.

— Nikhil Apte (@NikhilApte8808) April 29, 2023

Max Verstappen and George Russell’s crash in Baku

Even before the F1 sprint started, Verstappen made it clear that he isn’t a fan of the format. His performance in the first-ever sprint shootout was not optimal and he started Saturday’s 17 lap race from P3. On the very first lap, however, a slow start saw him tussling with Russell heading into the first corner.

Russell refused to back out from their close duel, and made contact with Verstappen’s car. The Red Bull driver, who was already frustrated, lost a place and his chances of getting the win slipped away.

After a brief safety car period, he was able to overtake Russell on the restart, but his car was so damaged, that the gap to Leclerc couldn’t be closed. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez took P1 in the sprint followed by Leclerc finishing second. Verstappen put in a commendable performance, finishing third with a car that had a severely damaged side pod.

Verstappen set to take revenge on Russell following their shunt

Verstappen’s post-race interaction with Russell with heated to say the least. The Brit tried to defend himself by saying that there wasn’t enough grip, but Verstappen was having none of it. He replied by saying that no driver out on track had grip, and wanted Russell to leave him some space.

When Russell refused to admit his mistake, an exasperated Verstappen said, “Expect the same next time.”

“But expect the next time the same you know… Dickhead”

-Max Verstappen to George Russell after the race#AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/CEJoH6lKkY

— Kimbula Bunis 🥐 (@PO5IT1VE) April 29, 2023

In his post-race interview with Sky Sports, Russell insisted that Verstappen would have done the exact same thing had their roles been reversed. He added that he won’t hold himself back against Verstappen, just because he is fighting for the world championship.