Red Bull Chief Questions Latest FIA Ruling: "Surprised It Was An Issue"

Christian Horner has responded to the latest FIA ruling.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken out on the latest FIA rule change ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

It was announced yesterday that the FIA had re-enforced the rules over team celebrations at the end of a grand prix race. The stricter rules prohibit teams from climbing the pit wall straight fencing as their driver crosses the line. 

F1 fans were quick to hit out at the FIA for the decision and now Horner has spoken on the change as well. The Red Bull team chief explained during the press conference in between Free Practice 1 and 2 in Melbourne:

“I was surprised it was an issue, to be honest with you.

“I think anything that relates to safety, obviously one has to take very seriously.

“But, it’s a fairly iconic moment when you see a grand prix car finishing a grand prix and its team celebrating on a fence.

Horner continued:

“And, so long as it’s done in a manner that is safe, I, personally, have never seen an issue with it.

“I’ve [always] thought it’s been a part of grand prix racing and we’ve achieved that 94 times as Red Bull Racing and not once have we had an injury or looked like there being an issue.

“But, if they’re the rules, they’re the rules.”

The third free practice session will take place tomorrow ahead of qualifying with the grand prix on Sunday.