F1
Strong exchange between Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Christian Horner at the 2022 FIA gala
Slightly tense smiles at the FIA Gala... © DPPI / J. Delfosse
The International Automobile Federation Gala (FIA) organized in Bologna (Italy) this Friday December 9 was the opportunity for Christian Horner to collect his world championship trophy Formula 1 2022 Manufacturers.
The team leader Red Bull Racing, also winner of the Drivers' championship thanks to Max Verstappen, ended an eight-year dominance by Mercedes in F1. The British boss made a speech, notably to pay tribute to Dietrich Matsechitz.
The Austrian businessman, founder of the Red Bull empire, succumbed to illness in the days leading up to the United States Grand Prix last October. An event where the energy drink team won its fifth Manufacturers' title, its first since 2013.
The @redbullracing squad roll up at the FIA Prize-Giving Gala 😎#F1 pic.twitter.com/5wMn32fgst
- Formula 1 (@ F1) December 9, 2022
“What I would like to say tonight is that I have watched a lot of videos and I think on all of these videos across all of these different championships, we have seen the Red Bull logo on so many cars, remarked Christian Horner. I would like to dedicate this championship, this trophy, to a very special man who has done so much for motorsport and for Formula 1.
Dietrich was a fan of motorsport, first and foremost. He gave so many riders in the room tonight an opportunity in so many disciplines. He gave to thousands of engineers and technicians, mechanics, and I think he did more for motorsport than any other person in history. So this evening I would like to dedicate this award to Dietrich Mateschitz. »
Christian Horner is happy that his former employer had the opportunity to witness Max Verstappen's second consecutive coronation at a Japanese Grand Prix with an incredible outcome. After the finish, the Dutchman had no idea that he had secured the title, because his team and many followers in the paddock thought that half the points would be awarded. The event had barely exceeded half the planned distance.
ALSO READ > Max Verstappen crowned world champion in confusion at Suzuka
However, a trivial change in the 2022 sporting regulations allowed the allocation of total points, and Max Verstappen was indeed crowned at Suzuka. Which this clever Christian Horner did not fail to point out.
“Fortunately, he (Dietrich Mateschitz) saw Max win the championship in Japan, although there was a bit of confusion over the points there. Then the following weekend, the day after he passed away, we managed to win that Manufacturers' trophy. So it’s a very special trophy. »
This statement only moderately pleased Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The FIA President first congratulated Christian Horner and the service provided by Dietrich Mateschitz through his sponsorship. “It was my sponsor during my last season of rally, recalled the Emirati. You deserve this title Christian and Max (Verstappen). "
Full exchange between MBS and Horner. Weird from start to finish 😬😬#F1 #FIA PrizeGiving pic.twitter.com/8Gq1GCfGWt
— Ed Spencer (@EdSpencer99) December 9, 2022
Secondly, the President of the FIA wanted to dot the “i’s”. “You talked about the Japanese Grand Prix. You said it was a controversial race. No. The FIA was blamed for the points but it was not the FIA that made the rules. The teams made the rules and we applied them. »
About to let go Thanks for the chaos,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem was interrupted by Stefano Domenicali. The President of Formula 1 pretended to separate two boxers by placing his arm between the two men and blurted out: “Okay guys, stay focused!” »
A few moments earlier, another pass of arms had punctuated the ceremony. When Christian Horner collected his trophy, Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanted to make a little joke about his Red Bull team going over the budget cap. “Christian, this cut has nothing to do with the budget ceiling. This comes from the FIA, so we won't deduct it from your budget. »
Simple humor or insidious remark? Was the FIA President exasperated by the attitude of Red Bull's team principal in recent months? This leaves you wondering.
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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10/12/2022 at 04:53 a.m.
The FIA doesn't determine the rules... but what purpose does it serve? I will end up regretting Jean TODT who certainly would not have asserted such nonsense!
DANIEL MEYERS
10/12/2022 at 01:17 a.m.
"It's not the FIA that made the rules. It's the teams that made the rules and we applied them." It's nonsense, it's totally ridiculous. As if the teams, the clubs of football made the rules!!!
Mauro Caldi
10/12/2022 at 02:07 a.m.
Of course, teams can propose rules (through the F1 association) and the FIA must approve them...