Christian Horner takes fresh jab at Lewis Hamilton as Red Bull seek British GP statement

F1: Hamilton v Verstappen in numbers

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Red Bull boss Christian Horner has accused Lewis Hamilton of engaging in “kidology” and “gamesmanship” ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend. Hamilton recently said his rival Max Verstappen was “walking away” with the title after the Red Bull driver opened up a 32-point lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship with victory at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen has won the last three races to take a sizable lead heading into the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Red Bull have won the last five races on the bounce since Hamilton took the chequered flag at the Spanish Grand Prix in early May and the Mercedes driver has frequently spoken about the advantage his competitors have.

Silverstone is a happy hunting ground for Hamilton, who has won a record seven races at the track, and Horner is not taking anything for granted this season.

The Red Bull team principal also used the opportunity to have a dig at the Briton, who is attempting to win an eighth title to take him clear of Michael Schumacher as the most successful driver of all time.

“Lewis loves a bit of kidology, trying to move the spotlight away from himself which is part of the gamesmanship of any sport,” Horner said on BBC Radio 4.

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“It is such a long season and with 29 points available this weekend a 32-point lead can vanish very quickly.

“He is going to be fighting incredibly hard. Silverstone has been a stronghold for Lewis, it has been a stronghold for the team.

“[Seven wins] is an immense record. We are going to have to be at the top of our game to beat them but if we can beat them at Silverstone then there is nothing we should fear for the rest of the championship.”

Red Bull’s run of form has put them in a prime position to reclaim the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 2013.

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Their push for the title has been led by Verstappen, who has taken well to the role of frontrunner.

Horner is full of praise for the Dutchman, who is hoping to win his first title this season.

“Well one, his outright natural pace,” he said.

“I think also his tenacity, he has that won’t give up, won’t leave anything on the table tenacity. He is a tenacious racer and now I think he has gelled that with the experience he has as well.

“He has put in some phenomenal performances this year.”

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