After the incredible success in Brazil, Red Bull’s morale is sky-high. Here are Christian Horner’s words on Verstappen and his race
A performance of pure genius. The Brazilian GP has definitively consecrated Max Verstappen into the pantheon of this sport’s greatest champions. For many, the championship already seems decided after Verstappen’s dominant victory—a blend of aggression and a dash of luck at the Brazilian GP. This race not only brings Red Bull back into the fight for the Constructors’ Championship but also solidifies Max’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship. On the other hand, it was a tough blow for Lando Norris, who was set back by another poor start to the season (losing the lead to Russell) and a race full of mistakes on track and at the pit wall.
Max’s skill, as the only driver capable of overtaking other cars on a track that seemed unmanageable for everyone else, was highlighted by almost every driver on the grid: from Gasly to Hulkenberg, Leclerc, and even his fierce rival Hamilton. Red Bull’s strategic choices only further empowered Max to bring home an astounding 26 points, with 17 of the fastest laps towards the end of the raceextending his lead over Norris in the standings to 62 points. All these factors underscore the dominance and merit of a driver “in a different league,”as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner put it,showering praise like never before on his number-one driver.
Horner’s Praise for Max and Comments on Perez
The British team principal, after a weekend full of highs and lows—including yet another underwhelming performance by Sergio Perez (who seems increasingly close to an exit from both Red Bull and perhaps F1)—spoke about Verstappen’s brilliant race in Brazil: “Max was masterful. In conditions like these, a driver’s true value shows. He was in a class of his own.” .
“As a team, we made all the right strategic choices, and the car had excellent pace. After qualifying, we would definitely have signed up for a top-five. It was an incredible performance—one of Max’s best.” Horner also commented on Sergio Perez’s race, as he finished in eleventh place, once again outside the points (with a staggering statistic comparing the Mexican’s performance to Gasly’s): “I must say that Perez drove well this weekend; he was just unlucky in certain race incidents.”
It’s hard to talk about luck or misfortune when one driver charges from 17th to first place, while another with the same car finishes outside the points. But, at least for now, thanks to this, Horner can savor the brilliance of his only true star, on whom Red Bull’s last hopes for the Constructors’ title rely: “simply lovely,” simply Super Max Verstappen.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing