Red Bull boss Christian Horner hailed the "real teamwork" which backed up Max Verstappen's victory in Brazil.
The Dutchman just had the pace to hold off Lewis Hamilton throughout Sunday's Grand Prix at Interlagos but faced a tricky dilemma when the Safety Car was called with 16 laps to go.
With Mercedes telling their driver to do the opposite to Verstappen, Red Bull opted to call him in for soft tyres, partly also because of the threat from Sebastian Vettel in third, and that proved the right decision.
“All credit to Hannah,” Horner said to Formula1.com referring to Hannah Schmitz, a senior strategist on the pitwall. “She offered the strategy, her recommendation was to pit.
“It was a bold choice because we knew he’d [Lewis] would do the opposite and it was the aggressive choice and it worked out.
“That’s why I sent her up [to the podium] today. She’s a working mum, she’s driving ridiculous hours to get into work, giving it everything, and that’s real teamwork."
The Red Bull chief also praised Verstappen for his composure under pressure, considering his eighth career win as payback for 2018.
“It’s redemption for Max," he stated to Sky Sports. "It was a fantastic race, he was not going to give up that win today.
“A great drive by him and to have to overtake Lewis, he did it the hard way – passed him twice, the strategy was bold. A fantastic job from him today.”
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Horner also gave an honourable mention to former driver Pierre Gasly who claimed a memorable second for Toro Rosso.
“In that environment, there’s been less pressure, the car is a little easier to drive, and he’s driving brilliantly and it’s great for him and great for his confidence," he said.
“It’s great for Toro Rosso too, and it was great to see them get that result today.”
