‘Max defended perfectly’ from Raikkonen - Horner

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says Max Verstappen “defended perfectly” from Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in the Hungarian Grand Prix, after the Finn complained about the Dutchman for weaving.

Raikkonen spent most of his final stint trying to find a way past Verstappen for fifth place but, like in Barcelona earlier this season, the teenager prevailed against the 2007 world champion.

However, this time Raikkonen was clearly not impressed with his rival, especially after the Ferrari hit the back of the Red Bull on the approach to Turn 2. The Finn was immediately on the radio to tell his team that Verstappen had changed his line several times.

“It was great racing,” Horner told Sky Sports F1 after the race. “I know Kimi was moaning a bit but I think Max defended perfectly.

“He did not move the car around. He committed to one line and stuck to it. It was just hard racing and good to watch.”

Horner was also delighted to see both his drivers keeping a Ferrari at bay, with Daniel Ricciardo fending off former team-mate Sebastian Vettel's challenge to secure third in Budapest.

“Mission accomplished today. A job well done. We’re one point behind [Ferrari] in the Constructors’ championship.

“I think both drivers drove a very clean race, they got the maximum they could. Mercedes were in their own formula but it was exciting stuff.”

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Julien Billiotte