Horner: Webber would have done the same
Vettel was hit with a wall of criticism following the Sepang race, having chosen to ignore team orders and overtake teammate Webber for the victory. However, Horner says the German's actions would have been mirrored by 'any competitive driver'.
"If Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton had been in that position, they'd have done the same," Horner explained to Sky Sports. "If Mark Webber had been in that position, we've seen him do the same. Let's not kid ourselves that this is something unique to Sebastian, this is something that is in any competitive driver's DNA."
Horner also explained that he views Vettel's post-race apologies as genuine, with the 25-year-old recently visiting the Red Bull factory to address staff members.
"Sebastian is a very honest guy," Horner commented. "I think he was shocked after the race. Then the feeling came over him, you could see that he felt he had done wrong. I believe his apology was sincere. He repeated that apology in private."