The Controversial F1 Multi 21 Incident: A Closer Look at the Red Bull Team’s Infamous Team Order
In the highly competitive world of Formula 1 racing, team orders are not uncommon. However, the Red Bull Team made headlines during the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2013 for their controversial team order, known as the Multi 21 incident. This incident sent shockwaves throughout the F1 community and led to a heated debate about the ethics behind team orders.
What is the Multi 21 Incident?
During the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2013, Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were battling for the lead. The team instructed both drivers to conserve their tires and hold their positions. However, Vettel, who was in second place, defied team orders and overtook Webber in the closing stages of the race, grabbing the victory. Vettel’s move enraged Webber and led to a public outburst from team principal Christian Horner.
The Fallout
The Multi 21 incident caused a rift in the Red Bull team, with drivers and management taking sides. Fans were also divided in their opinion, with some believing that Vettel’s move was a bold and necessary one for a driver to take, while others felt that it was an act of betrayal towards a teammate who adhered to team orders.
Red Bull’s management was criticized for not managing their drivers effectively in such a high-pressure situation. Many believed that had they enforced team orders, the incident could have been avoided, and the drivers’ relationship could have been preserved.
The Ethics of Team Orders
The Multi 21 incident raised questions about the ethics of team orders in Formula 1. Should drivers prioritize their own ambitions, or should team orders be enforced to ensure the team’s success overall? This debate has raged on for years, with no clear resolution in sight.
On one hand, there is a consensus that team orders are necessary to ensure a team’s success. Drivers are contracted to represent their teams and only succeed if the team succeeds. On the other hand, there is an argument that drivers should be allowed to race freely, and team orders should only be enforced in extreme cases when the team’s entire season may be at risk.
Conclusion
The Multi 21 incident was a controversial moment in Red Bull’s history and a stark reminder of the challenges that team orders can bring. It sparked a debate about the ethics behind team orders in Formula 1, which is still ongoing.
Though the controversy has long since passed, the Multi 21 incident remains in the public consciousness as a reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by teams and drivers in this high-stakes sport.
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