Sergio Perez missed out on a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix because of a cheeky George Russell move which went unpunished, according to Christian Horner.
The Formula 1 stewards noted the moment Russell bailed out of a move heading into the first chicane on lap one of the race. He had tried to go around the Haas of Nico Hulkenberg, but chose to veer left off the circuit to take the run-off road.
He stayed left of the two cones before rejoining and did so behind Hulkenberg, before going on to overtake the German two corners later. But the stewards decided an investigation into the incident was not necessary and so he never faced any danger of a penalty.
This was after Russell, who started 12th on the grid, got a great launch off the line to roar past Perez who was one place ahead of him. Horner feels the Mexican, who eventually finished fourth behind the two Mercedes drivers who reach the podium, was denied a spot on that plinth because of that Russell move.
The Red Bull team boss told Sky Sports after the race: "[Perez] lost out in the early laps. He didn't have a great start. George managed to get away with running off track, not getting a penalty for that.
"I think that was the difference at the end of the day. Checo's race was getting stronger and stronger. In that last stint, in particular he was coming back very strong. There were just not enough laps to get that podium."
But in his own defence, Russell explained: "I got a bit squeezed. I made a decision because I knew there were two cars on the inside of me and I knew if I was going to keep it, I was going to come together with Hulkenberg. I knew it was him, I came out behind him and no advantage was gained."
And Sky's Anthony Davidson agreed with the Mercedes driver, pointing to the fact he appeared to be slightly ahead of Oscar Piastri before going off the track and, therefore, he did not gain an advantage by the letter of the law. "It's close, but I do believe he was just ahead of the McLaren," he said.
"I think it's because he was just ahead of the McLaren, that's why he didn't have to give the place back. It's tight, but I think as the rules go, he just about got away with it. That's why he didn't get a penalty."
