“Straight-talker” Horner has no regrets over conduct in Qatar

Horner received an official warning from the FIA after he criticised a marshal ahead of Sunday’s race at the Losail International Circuit.

His comments came after Max Verstappen was handed a five-place grid penalty for ignoring double-waved yellow flags in the dying stages of qualifying. 

Horner blamed “rouge marshal” over the incident and said the FIA should have “better control of their marshals”.

When asked if he had any regrets over his behaviour in Qatar, Horner replied: “No, not at all. I believe in my team, I’m a straight-talker. I’ve always conducted myself in that manner. I’m not an overly-emotional person, I don’t rant at cameras. 

“I think the way I’ve conducted myself, I’ve got no issues with it, I’d do exactly the same. The only issue was regarding any marshal, if there was any personal offence taken for referencing a rogue yellow flag, it was not intended at any individual or marshal. I don’t know whether you heard the interview I gave this morning, I didn’t feel it was unreasonable.”

Explaining his initial comments further, Horner added: “Obviously after the decision was made, I made a comment to one of the broadcasters [Sky], I felt there had been a rogue marshal who had waved the yellow flag and the stewards took offence to that side. 

“I just reassured them that no offence was intended with the individual, it was more frustration with the circumstance having three or four cars pass the same car with no yellow flags, double-waved yellow flag. It was an explanation of that. 

“I think the apology was accepted. And I’d just like to make it clear, it wasn’t pointed at marshals, I think marshals do a wonderful job around the world, they’re volunteers. Without marshals, there would be no motorsports so it’s just the circumstances that were frustrating. And I think there’s something that can be done.”

Horner dismissed any suggestion that the pressure of this year’s title battle was getting to him.

“No, not at all,” he added. “Watch the interview. Make your own opinion. I think everybody has a right to an opinion. I gave an opinion.”