MEDIA PRESSURE
Red Bull boss Christian Horner claims the media machine behind Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton gives him an advantage over Max Verstappen.
Horner suggests that Hamilton and Mercedes have been using every tool at their disposal to distract Verstappen this season.
And he thinks the media’s alleged support of Hamilton could play a huge part in who lifts the F1 title in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Horeber said: “Lewis is a seven-time world champion, he’s the most successful driver of all time, he has a standing obviously within the sport and what he says carries a lot of weight.
“I think he has used every tool available to him to put Max under pressure this year. He’s a competitive animal, you don’t become a seven-time world champion by not being a competitor like he is.
“Yes, I believe – and backed up by the Mercedes media machine – a huge amount of pressure has been placed on Max.
“What you’ve got to remember with Max is he’s just a young lad. He’s a 24-year-old that drives with bravery, with passion, with skill, with determination, and he’s just a guy living his dream, doing his job.
“And he’s up against not only Lewis but a huge machine in Mercedes-Benz.”