Red Bull earn praise as mechanics cheer on Hamilton at Mexican GP

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After a tempestuous week for Red Bull their mechanics have won widespread praise for cheering Lewis Hamilton over the line at the Mexico Grand Prix. It was Max Verstappen who recorded a record-breaking 14th race win of the season, with old rival Hamilton behind him as he held off a late charge from Sergio Perez.

It meant a jubilant end to a turbulent few days for Christan Horner and co, with the team learning their fate for breaching the 2021 budget cap by £1.8 million. The newly crowned Constructors’ champions have been hit by a 10% reduction in car development time as well as a £6.4 million fine, sanctions Horner described as ‘draconian’.

In Mexico, Red Bull also boycotted interviews with Sky Sports, after reporter Ted Kravitz previously said that Hamilton was “robbed” of the 2021 title at the hands of Verstappen. The Dutchman took the championship after a highly controversial finish to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, a race which resulted in the sacking of FIA race director Michael Masi.

Claiming his team had become an “easy target” for critics, the Team Principal ordered the boycott, although he has since said the team will liaise with the broadcast giants at the next race weekend in Brazil. And the end of Sunday’s race did at last provide him with some positive PR, after footage emerged of his mechanics clearly clapping and cheering Hamilton over the line, as well as Verstappen and Perez.

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The @redbullf1france account posted footage of their actions on Twitter, and wrote: “The team mechanics not only celebrated Max and Checo’s passing, but also cheered Hamilton when he crossed the line.” The video prompted a favourable reaction, with @arturito_22_ saying: “Nice mentality of the mechanics, note that the Mercedes mechanics do the same, respect above all.”

@LucaCebi added: “Red Bull mechanics cheering for Lewis, actually class from them,” while @umidygonzales responded with “Bravo team.” @mxrtinf1 implied the team were harshly treated by the media, writing: “Strangely when something is positive from RB, it is less relayed.”

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The irony of the show of respect was Hamilton was booed during the day by the home fans, something he addressed in his post-race interview: “This has been an amazing crowd, definitely a bit awkward this time around with boos all day,” he said.

“But, nevertheless I have so much love for Mexico and for the people here. What a great race and an event they’ve put on this weekend.”

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