We recently saw the Autosport Awards announcement where Max Verstappen took home the prestigious International Racing Driver of the Year award. Fans anticipated the honor to be given to the Dutchman given the dominant display he put up throughout the season. However, what caught fans’ attention the most was the Red Bull boss Christian Horner’s cheeky comment while announcing the Rookie of the Year award.

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As the rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes has heated up over the years, we have seen both camps take digs at each other. The two teams’ principals having a go at each other is a common sight. Over the past few months, we have seen Christian Horner come under fire from his Mercedes counterpart for the cost cap breach but the Red Bull boss isn’t the one who is known to hold back either.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner’s attempt at comedy invites fans’ fury

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was on duty to give away the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu won the accolade, however, Horner did not miss the opportunity to take a dig at his Mercedes counterpart, Toto Wolff.

While announcing the winner, Christian joked, “and the winner is Toto, umm, no no, it’s Zhou, Zhou Guanyu.”

Read More: Not Mercedes, Not Even Ferrari – This Midfield F1 Team Has Sergio Perez Shaking in His Boots for 2023

The Red Bull boss must have thought it was a harmless joke on his rival. However, Mercedes fans clearly did not like it. While some thought Horner was obsessed with Toto and Mercedes, others just thought he needed to work on his delivery.

One user lauded Horner’s efforts of keeping the rivalry alive.

Some took the moment in a lighter tone as one fan called the RB boss the GOAT.

One fan thought Horner has got the Mercedes boss on his mind 24/7.

Some believed his obsession with his rival teams was disturbing. We have certainly followed that trend ever since Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” came out.

Now, this was a unique take on the relationship the two team principals share with each other.

Zhou wasn’t available to receive the award in person. However, he had a recorded video message that was played after they announced him as the winner. Zhou said, “Hi guys, as you can see I just won Rookie of the Year.” He continued, “thanks to everyone who supported me and voted for me.”

“I’ve been battling through the year, it has been a tricky year, but I’ve had great support from the track and from fans at home so thank you all very much.”

Watch This Story: Christian Horner Unhappy with 2022 Budget Cap, Calls for Urgent Attention

Do you think Horner was just trying to make the moment funnier? Or was it an attempt to put his rival down?