Formula 1 appears to have become more political than ever before, and with the addition of social media, it has become somewhat of a toxic place as of late.
The 2021 season finale, added to Red Bull’s budget cap breach, has put a negative outlook on what is perhaps the most positive of times for the sport, in regard to revenue and popularity.
It is nevertheless, about the racing and the drivers who risk their lives for the sake of glory.
The legitimacy of this so-called ‘glory’, has been questioned, most notably Max Verstappen’s 2021 World Championship.
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Verstappen not only benefited from former race director Michael Masi’s ‘human error’, but also potentially from the Austrians $2.2 million breach of last season’s cap.
Whilst Red Bull boss Christian Horner has insisted that the car itself didn’t benefit from the breach, it’s still tarnished their reputation and arguably their rivalry with Mercedes.
Mercedes and Red Bull went toe-to-toe for the entirety of 2021, but to now know that Red Bull had an unfair advantage has left many feeling robbed of a Silver Arrows title.
The sides rivalry has boiled over into this season too, albeit more off the circuit, than on it, given the Germans struggles this season.
With this in mind, it was a beautiful sight to see that Red Bull’s mechanics were seen applauding Lewis Hamilton, as the seven-time World Champion crossed the line at the Mexico City Grand Prix in second place.
The race itself wasn’t one to remember anytime soon, as Verstappen cruised to his 14th victory of the 2022 season, meaning he’s now eclipsed the record for most wins in a single campaign.
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His rivalry with Hamilton is still one that you get the sense is yet to fully conclude, especially if Mercedes to return do the top next season; however, given the bitterness that has been on show between the two teams themselves, seeing Red Bull applaud Hamilton proved that the mutual respect does remain.
The moment itself wasn’t captured by a broadcaster but was instead uploaded to social media, providing some positive content for a change, at a time when more and more colleagues in the paddock are becoming victims of online abuse.
Hamilton claimed second ahead of Sergio Pérez, who received a wild celebration from his Austrian team at his home race, despite not quite having enough to claim second from the Mercedes driver.