GreenBkk Formula 1 | Red Bull happy to do it 'their way'

Red Bull happy to do it 'their way'

Credit: PlanetF1.com (http://www.planetf1.com)

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner feels fully vindicated for not bowing to pressure and implementing team orders over the course of the Formula One season.

In standing by his principles, Horner was able to watch Sebastian Vettel become the youngest World Champion in Formula One history.

At various stages, such as after Belgium when Vettel crashed into Jenson Button, and again following the Korean Grand Prix when the 23-year-old's engine blew nine laps home when poised for victory, Horner was asked if Webber would be given preferential treatment.

Horner, though, refused to tread the path taken by Ferrari earlier in the season in Germany when Felipe Massa was ordered to allow himself to be overtaken by team-mate Fernando Alonso.

There was scope for Horner to do so in Brazil, which would have resulted in a one-point gap between Alonso and Webber going into Sunday's title-decider in Abu Dhabi, but it was an option that was never considered.

So come the conclusion of the race at Yas Marina, with Webber one place behind Alonso, and with Vettel taking the win and ultimately the title, there was naturally a sense of pride from Horner.

"We did it our way," said Horner. "That's not to say one way is right or wrong. We chose to back both guys. Obviously there is no crystal ball and ultimately it could have cost us.

"But we stuck with it. We believe in the principle of backing both equally. With the guys so closely matched it would have been wrong to artificially remove one from the chance of winning.

"In the end it all came down to what happened on the circuit, not interference from the pit wall and not interference from team orders.

"It's the Red Bull way, the sporting way and ultimately I think it's prevailed. It was vindicated."

In adding the Drivers' crown to the Constructors' Championship won in Brazil last weekend, all in the space of just six years after the team were formed from Jaguar's failure, Horner feels Red Bull has "come of age."

In also taking a swipe at the establishment in McLaren and Ferrari, Horner added: "It is a very young team and I am just very proud to represent them. I believe they are the best team in the world."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (http://www.planetf1.com)