Max Verstappen’s recent victories bear comparison with those of Formula 1’s greatest drivers, his team principal Christian Horner believes.
Red Bull have won seven of the ten races so far this season, all courtesy of Verstappen. While the team enjoyed a comfortable margin over their rivals in the early races, the competition has drawn closer since, and Verstappen was beaten to pole position at the previous three grands prix. Nonetheless, he won two of them.
“He’s been absolutely outstanding,” said Horner. “What you’re seeing is a driver that just continues to evolve and continues to develop.
“You’re seeing drives of the calibre that the greats in the sport were capable of delivering, the Ayrton Sennas, the Jim Clarks. You’ve only got to look through the generation and I think that’s what we’re seeing with Max.”
Verstappen’s two recent wins have come at the expense of Lando Norris and George Russell. He passed both in Spain, and overtook Russell in a rain-affected race in Canada, then got ahead of Norris through the pits.
“Those key moments, the big moments, are what defines any outstanding sportsman or woman,” said Horner. “And that’s what he’s delivering.
“We’ve seen it under pressure delivering in recent races. That’s also in combination with the team, because obviously the team is under pressure as well. We’ve managed to win three of the last four races and they’ve all been hard-won victories. Max just continues to surprise us with the levels that he’s able to achieve and hit.”
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Earlier this year Verstappen provoked speculation over his future at Red Bull by raising concern over reports the team’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko might be suspended by the team. This followed claims of an internal power struggle at Red Bull following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by Horner. He was cleared by that investigation, though it is now subject to an appeal.
Verstappen said on Thursday he will remain at the team for next season, in line with his long-term contract to 2028 signed three years ago. Horner said that should leave no one in any doubt who Verstappen will drive for in the future, despite rivals such as Mercedes making efforts to court him.
“Max is an important part of our team,” said Horner. “He’s had all of his victories and podiums in Red Bull Racing cars, his three world championships so far and…
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