Source: Official Team Post via X
Christian Horner Reflects on Hamilton's 'Body Language' Before 2021 Silverstone Clash
Christian Horner recalls observing Lewis Hamilton's demeanor before the dramatic 2021 British GP incident with Max Verstappen. Horner suggests Hamilton's attitude hinted at a shift in strategy against his Red Bull rival.
Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, has shared his recollections of the events leading up to the well-known 2021 Silverstone crash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. As Horner puts it, the signs were there in Hamilton's demeanor even before the race began. That season marked Red Bull’s return to genuine title contention after years of Mercedes dominance in the turbo-hybrid era. The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton was heating up, with Verstappen challenging Hamilton in ways reminiscent of the Briton's past contests with Nico Rosberg.
In the early races of 2021, Verstappen frequently pushed Hamilton to the limit, knowing the seasoned Mercedes driver would often avoid risky confrontations to prevent damage. However, the dynamic shifted at Silverstone. Having lost the inaugural F1 Sprint to Verstappen, Hamilton appeared determined to reclaim the upper hand at his home Grand Prix.
According to Horner, Hamilton’s body language after the Sprint was telling. In his book, _Drive_, Horner writes about Hamilton's apparent acknowledgment of the need for a change in approach. "When the top three drivers were driven around the track for the Sprint podium presentation, Lewis’ body language told a story," Horner noted. He described how Hamilton’s demeanor suggested he understood that the battle for the championship was becoming more intense.
The infamous crash happened as Hamilton attempted a daring move at Copse Corner, leading to Verstappen's Red Bull spinning off into the barriers. Verstappen endured a 51G impact, resulting in a concussion, yet he continued the season and ultimately triumphed in the controversial Abu Dhabi finale.
Horner also commented on the atmosphere within Mercedes at the time, suggesting that team principal Toto Wolff’s hints about focusing on the 2022 regulations indicated a sense of impending defeat. "He was talking about putting everything into next season’s car, which was a sure sign they were close to conceding the title, mentally at least," Horner remarked.
The aftermath of the Silverstone incident saw Hamilton penalized with a 10-second penalty, which many at Red Bull felt was too lenient. Despite the penalty, Hamilton went on to win the race, leaving Verstappen and Red Bull with a bitter taste.
The 2021 season was a pivotal one, not just for the rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, but also for the trajectory of both teams. Red Bull has since dominated the ground-effect era, while Mercedes has struggled to adapt. Hamilton, meanwhile, has moved on to Ferrari, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.