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Mercedes accused of ‘smear campaign’ against Max Verstappen by Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Lewis Hamilton battle

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RED BULL chief Christian Horner believes Mercedes have created a narrative around Max Verstappen to apply pressure on the F1 stewards.

Horner, 48, defended his driver and argued Verstappen has been unfairly portrayed by Mercedes.

Christian Horner (left) defended Max Verstappen in his criticism of Mercedes’ ‘smear campaign’Credit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton called Verstappen crazy after their most recent clash in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash

Lewis Hamilton called his rival “crazy” at the end of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last week after the pair collided during lap 38.

There have been numerous incidents between the two this year including crashes at Silverstone, Monza and in Hungary.

But Horner denied Verstappen is irresponsible, instead suggesting Mercedes’ PR machine has sought to damage his reputation to influence the stewards.

Horner said: “Of course it’s been a concerted campaign by Mercedes. Totally. It’s been part of a narrative to put as much pressure on the stewards to act differently from any other race.

“This is a campaign that’s been driven covertly to put the spotlight on Max, give him a tag-line, portray him as this mad, irresponsible driver, put as much pressure as you can on him, on the team, and ultimately on the governing body.

“We saw in Brazil, the comments about the penalties being laughable, or Lewis being persecuted.

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“Mercedes have got one of the smartest media arms in the paddock and they use every tool they can.”

Ahead of the final race showdown between the drivers in Abu Dhabi race director Michael Masi has warned both Verstappen and Hamilton to driver fairly.

If either are considered to be deliberating target the other they face a points deduction, another fact that has irked Horner.

The duo are both on equal points going into the last race but if both were to crash out Verstappen would take the crown given he has won more races this season.

But if the Dutchman is given a penalty and punished with a points deduction, Horner and Red Bull would consider legal action.

Horner added: “You’ve got to look at the context.

“The one thing you’re looking for is consistent application of the rules, and why is this grand prix different from any other grand prix that we’ve attended this year?

“You’ve either got rules or you haven’t. What makes this any more or less important than Silverstone, or Spa, or Hungary, or Monza?

“We’ve had incidents in a lot of places this year.

“You’ve got to apply the rules consistently. I think this is what Max (Verstappen) feels a little frustrated about.

“At times he feels, when he looks at other incidents, they’re not treated in the same manner.”

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk

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