Christian Horner said he felt the energy of Max Verstappen’s Japanese Grand Prix win after he returned to the factory. The Red Bull Racing team principal believes that they have a shot at Verstappen receiving his fifth title this year, but that they will have to fight against McLaren’s advantages.
After the first free practice of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Horner said about Verstappen’s Suzuka win, “Well, that ejected such enthusiasm into the whole team.” Verstappen’s win put him only one point away from Lando Norris, who is currently leading the driver’s championship standings.
Horner continued, “I went back to Milton Keynes straight from Japan, and you can just feel the energy that a win and a win like that brings.” Verstappen has been very vocal about the drivability of their car, but Horner thinks they have what it takes.
“We’re absolutely in this driver’s championship, and we’re very clear that we need to find performance. Now, unfortunately, these next two circuits are going to play very much to the advantage of McLaren. I think high temperatures will suit them quite well.”
Norris and Oscar Piastri placed second and third, respectively, behind Verstappen at the last race. Where does Horner see them having that extra advantage over Red Bull Racing?
He says, “They seem very good at cooling their tires. We’re going to have to work hard, and we’ll see what we get.”
