Horner holding off celebrations
RED Bull team principal Christian Horner says achieving a “quadruple double” would be a stunning achievement, but is steadfastly refusing to take anything for granted in the race for Formula One’s world titles.
With much of the focus ahead of tomorrow’s Indian Grand Prix on Sebastian Vettel’s bid to become only the fourth four- time champion in the sport’s history, it has been easy to overlook the fact that his Red Bull team are also on the brink of the fourth title in as many years.
With four rounds left, Vettel enjoys a 90- point lead over Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, while Red Bull are 148 points clear of the Scuderia in the race for the constructors’ crown.
In view of Vettel’s recent run of five straight wins dating back the summer’s Belgian Grand Prix, the general consensus is that it is only a matter of time before Red Bull can start popping champagne corks.
Horner, however, is holding off until every last shred of doubt has been removed.
“Should we achieve a quadruple double championship it would be an amazing feat for every single member of the team to achieve such results against such illustrious opposition, but those thoughts aren’t really on our mind at the moment – our focus is very much on this event,” Horner said after seeing Vettel finish fastest in both practice sessions yesterday.
“The championship tables obviously look very healthy, but it’s never done until it’s mathematically impossible for anybody else to win.
“The whole team’s focus is very much on getting the most out of this weekend and the championships take care of themselves.”
Vettel’s team- mate Mark Webber was second quickest in both sessions, the gap between the two men growing from just under two- tenths to a shade under three.
Romain Grosjean was third for Lotus, half a second clear of teammate Kimi Raikkonen, while Lewis Hamilton was seven- tenths off the pace in fourth place.