Horner delivers ‘bitten arm off’ stance after ‘important’ Ricciardo call

Christian Horner has said Red Bull would have “bitten your arm off” for Max Verstappen’s podium finish in the Singapore Grand Prix at the start of the weekend.

The Dutchman crossed the chequered flag at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in second position, over 20 seconds behind race-winner Lando Norris.

However, Horner was adamant his driver did “everything he can” given the pace advantage McLaren currently enjoys over the Milton Keynes-based team.

Verstappen’s championship lead reduced to 52 points with six rounds remaining, and Oscar Piastri’s third-place finish means Red Bull’s constructors’ standings deficit to the Woking squad grew to 41 points.

Nevertheless, Horner was pleased with the outcome, having anticipated a considerably more difficult weekend in Singapore.

“If you’d offered that to us on Friday, we’d have bitten your arm off for it, so a good turnaround,” the 50-year-old told Viaplay.

“Congrats to Lando [Norris] and McLaren, he was just simply too fast today, but Max [Verstappen] has done everything he can.

“He had the rest of the field covered. We’ve got almost a month now to go away and we need to find some performance.”

Ricciardo’s ‘important’ role

Daniel Ricciardo, who is increasingly likely to be sidelined for that next race, the United States Grand Prix, played a pivotal role in the dying stages.

The RB driver was brought in on for soft tyres on the penultimate lap to steal the fastest lap point away from Norris, which he subsequently achieved.

However, it may not be enough to save his drive, with Horner reiterating that RB’s driver line-up is under review.

A decision is expected soon, with Liam Lawson anticipated to be given the back-end of the F1 season to impress.

“These things are constantly under review,” said Horner. “Daniel [Ricciardo], he’s been an important part… he’s been with Red Bull for almost 18 years, since he first started as a junior.

“So, it’s a good final lap for him, and it might be important in the championship [for Red Bull], ultimately.”