Red Bull lost communication with Verstappen’s F1 car in Canadian GP

Verstappen held off a late challenge from the charging Ferrari of Carlos Sainz on fresher tyres to claim his sixth victory of the season and his first win in Montreal. 

The reigning world champion has extended his championship lead over Charles Leclerc to 49 points after nine races. 

Speaking to Sky after the race, Horner said radio issues on Verstappen’s car left the team facing “one-way traffic” due to not being able to hear the Dutchman. 

“It wasn’t comfortable at all in the last 10 laps after the VSC,” Horner said. “Max just could not break the DRS.

“The Ferrari was very quick on the straight line. They could attack the kerb and stay close.

“We lost communication with the car. It was one-way traffic - he could hear us but we couldn’t hear him. I guess he didn’t need to hear us too much!

“Carlos pushed him hard,” Horner added. "The strategy wasn’t clear. We went for the early stop. We felt it was the best route. Then Carlos got, effectively, a free stop which set it up beautifully for the end of the race.” 

Verstappen said he was not sure exactly at what point his radio stopped working and only realised when his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase informed him after the chequered flag. 

“It didn’t work anymore,” he explained. “It decided to stop.

“I have no clue when it stopped. I guess it must have been working before, or it didn’t work before, which I’m sure they don’t mind. 

“As long as I can hear him, that’s the main thing.” 

Horner wary of Ferrari, Mercedes fight back 

Despite opening up commanding leads in both world championships, Horner is wary about a resurgence from Ferrari at the upcoming British Grand Prix. 

Horner also believes Mercedes could be a threat at Silverstone based on the reigning world champions’ improved form in Canada. 

“We take each race at a time,” Horner said. “It is great going to Silverstone leaving both championships.

“Max is in the form of his life. Max was absolutely clinical today.

“Silverstone is one of the best circuits on the calendar. There will be huge support for the Mercedes drivers. They will go there fired up.

“On pure form, Silverstone will be a good track for Ferrari. Mercedes could well be a factor for that race. I am hearing there will be upgrades for Ferrari so it will be interesting.

“Sergio [Perez] now has the same amount of mechanical failures as Max, but it is too soon to write anyone off.”