Horner reveals Verstappen’s Silverstone crash cost Red Bull $1.8 million

Verstappen’s British Grand Prix ended on the opening lap after contact with title rival Lewis Hamilton into Copse corner.

The Dutchman’s Red Bull was completely destroyed, severely damaging his chassis.

Horner said that Verstappen’s crash will have “massive ramifications in a budget cap era”.

“The other significant factor is the cost-cap element of this,” Horner wrote in his column on Red Bull’s official website. “That crash has cost us approximately $1.8million and an accident like that has massive ramifications in a budget cap era.”

After the incident, it was hinted that Red Bull might push for the stewards to give Hamilton an additional penalty after it felt the 10-second time penalty he received from the stewards mid-race.

Horner suggested that Red Bull is still considering this option.

“It is no secret that we felt at the time, and still feel, that Hamilton was given a light penalty for this type of incident,” Horner added.

“Given the severity of the incident and the lenient penalty, we are reviewing all data and have the right to request a review. We are therefore still looking at the evidence and considering all of our sporting options.”

Red Bull has 14 days after the conclusion of the British GP to ask for a review.

The stewards can review the incident if Red Bull has new evidence.

Finally, Horner believes had the crash not occurred, Verstappen would have taken a comfortable win at Silverstone.

“Had Max made it through Copse, I don't think Hamilton would have seen him again that afternoon as he learned in the previous day’s sprint race,” Horner explained. “No matter how experienced or talented, all drivers experience a build-up of pressure at times and this was a moment of extreme pressure for Hamilton in the championship, becoming the hunter as opposed to the hunted, and in front of his home crowd who saw him defeated the previous day at a track that has always been a Mercedes stronghold. 

“We all know that these situations can bring out a different driving style and one that is not characteristic of a world champion, but it is at these times that we see the increased risk.”