Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says Max Verstappen was “on a different planet” on his way to a second Formula 1 title and explains why
With his twelfth win of the season in the 18th race, Max Verstappen secured his second Formula One title early at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka last weekend. It was the sixth drivers’ title for Red Bull, following the four wins with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013.
“To do it with four races to go is really a remarkable achievement,” commented team boss Christian Horner on the title win again after 2021, stressing, “Max was on a different planet this year. He dominated that championship, drove with such maturity and conviction.”
“Of course it was far less controversial than the last race in Abu Dhabi,” the Briton draws the comparison. But: “A championship win is a championship win. This time the blood pressure is much lower than in Abu Dhabi. But it means just as much. “
After first title, less pressure of expectations
“And as for Max … World Champion last year and number one on the car, he has driven with so much conviction this year and defended the title in such a dominant manner. It’s been a pleasure to see him reach a new level this year,” Horner said.
In context, the Red Bull team boss agrees that drivers are often under less pressure after winning their first title, allowing them to improve.
“Last year was such a heavyweight battle between two titans,” he says, looking back on the duel with Lewis Hamilton. “And I think after he won the world championship last year, it takes the pressure of expectation off his shoulders – it was like that with Sebastian and it was like that with Max.”
“He’s in the form of his life. He’s driving incredibly well. The team is performing at an exceptionally high level. The strength and depth we have in the organisation is immense. We’re very proud of him and we’re going to enjoy this moment. “
Red Bull wants to fix constructors’ title
But at the same time, the focus is on manifesting the lead in the constructors’ championship, he said. “The most important thing for us is the constructors’ title,” Horner said. “After eight years, no other team has come close to winning it. Hopefully we can do that this year.”
As for the race in Suzuka, the Red Bull team boss stresses that it was not easy for Verstappen despite his dominant victory over Charles Leclerc.
“We had a terrible start, he had quite a bit of wheelspin,” Horner analysed of the first few metres where Leclerc passed Verstappen. “But then Max chose the old kart line around the outside. And he was all in. I spoke to him in the break and he said, ‘Look, I took a chance!”‘
“Charles gave him enough room and he put the move through. And yes, it was great racing in those first two corners,” Horner enthused. Despite the apparent ease with which Verstappen opened up a gap, it remained a treacherous afternoon.
“There’s quite a lot going on,” Horner said. “The track started to dry out. And these tyres don’t like the energy, especially in the first sector, you can do a lot of damage to them. Max controlled the slippage, controlled the temperature, took care of the tyres and had a big lead at the end.”
“We thought we were missing a point. So we considered pitting for the fastest lap. But it wasn’t sure if Checo would overtake Charles. “
25 seconds on Leclerc in over 20 laps
In the end, a time penalty for Leclerc led to Perez inheriting second place and Verstappen becoming world champion early as – to the surprise of many – full points were awarded despite a shortened race distance. So a win without a fastest lap was enough for Verstappen.
“After a couple of difficult races at the start of the season, the team bounced back and Max dominated the championship with the way he drove. Again, that was an absolutely dominant drive. What did he do? 25 seconds on Charles in over 20 laps was a tremendous achievement.”
“And Checo came second as well,” said Horner, delighted with the one-two finish. “Fantastic for him and his championship. It’s important points for the constructors as well. I’m absolutely happy with the result and I think Max is a deserved champion. “