Horner reveals Ecclestone call after Verstappen ‘Senna’ performance

Bernie Ecclestone described Max Verstappen’s performance in the Sao Paulo GP as “one of the best ever”, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Verstappen put in one of the finest performances of his career to storm from 17th on the Interlagos grid to win in Brazil, and move 62 points clear of erstwhile title rival Lando Norris wit the crushing victory. 

It has been described as one of the greatest wet-weather performances in F1, with Horner himself even comparing Verstappen’s opening lap in which he climbed to 11th as equal to the famous opening lap of Ayrton Senna in the 1993 European GP at Donington Park which he fell to fifth before snatching the lead in the wet conditions.

Reflecting on the performance, Horner revealed a telephone call with now 94-year-old Ecclestone. 

“Bernie rang me after the race and said: ‘I’ve seen all the greats, but that is one of the very best I’ve ever seen.’

“He’s a bit older than I am, so has seen a bit more, so that’s high credit from someone like him. 

“That first lap was up there with Donnington in 1993 and around the around of Turn 3, I think he passed six cars on the first lap and then he was the only car that was really making progress.

“Being so late on the brakes, he was able to pick cars off into Turn 1, whether it was with Lewis [Hamilton], Oscar Piastri or at the restart with Esteban [Ocon].

“He then just controlled the race and pulled away at ease, sometimes over a second per lap, so on a pretty dreary day, he shone brightly.