F1 Multi 21: The Controversial Team Order That Shook the Racing World
Introduction
Formula One (F1) is one of the most thrilling sports in the world, with drivers reaching speeds of more than 220mph. Within this high-octane sport, team orders are common, and they can either make or break a team’s success. One such order was Multi 21, which triggered a chain of events that shook the racing world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Multi 21 team order controversy and its aftermath.
The Multi 21 Team Order
Multi 21 was an order issued by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2013. The order instructed drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber to hold their positions and finish the race in the order they were in. Vettel, a four-time world champion, was leading the race, followed by Webber in second place.
However, Vettel broke the orders and overtook Webber, claiming the victory. This act of defiance set off a chain reaction that would have lasting impacts on the Red Bull team.
The Aftermath
Webber was understandably furious at Vettel’s betrayal. In the post-race interview, Webber famously said, “Multi 21, Seb. Multi 21.” These three words would later become synonymous with controversy and betrayal in the F1 world.
Vettel tried to justify his actions, saying that he thought the order did not apply to the final stage of the race. However, his actions were widely criticized, and even Red Bull’s owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, gave Webber his full support.
The incident harmed the relationship between Vettel and Webber. The two drivers had already been involved in several heated on-track incidents, and this only added fuel to the fire. Webber went on to retire from F1 at the end of the 2013 season, citing the Multi 21 incident as one of the reasons for his decision.
The Lessons Learned
The Multi 21 incident taught us a lot about team orders in F1. Firstly, it showed us that team orders can be controversial and lead to fractures in team relationships. Secondly, it highlighted the importance of trust and respect among teammates. Finally, it demonstrated that even the best drivers can make mistakes that can cost them dearly.
In conclusion, the Multi 21 team order controversy is a reminder that camaraderie and trust are essential for success in F1. It is also a cautionary tale of what happens when those values are tested. F1 fans and enthusiasts will always remember the Multi 21 incident and its lasting impact on the sport.
