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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talk in the garage during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on August 01, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talk in the garage during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on August 01, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen would feel like he is in a much better place in this year’s title fight. After winning the blockbuster title fight against Sir Lewis Hamilton last year, Verstappen is enjoying a comfortable lead over second-placed Charles Leclerc.
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The Red Bull driver has a healthy lead halfway through the season, but boss Christian Horner has fired a warning to rival Ferrari and Mercedes that Verstappen is yet to reach his peak. Horner said, “I think in many respects it’s [winning the title] released him,”
“That expectation of needing to win your first world championship – he’s achieved that. He has that on his CV now. Anything that he adds to that is a bonus.”
Horner heaped praise on Max, stating he is an all-around package at such a young age.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 29, 2022 Race winner Red Bull’s Sergio Perez with third placed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner after the race REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Red Bull boss added, “[Verstappen has] become more rounded, more experienced, and has handled the pressure incredibly well, which is remarkable for a 24-year-old.”
He added that the Red Bull ace is “continuing to evolve,” and believes he will get even stronger over the next few seasons.
READ MORE: Red Bull Takes Drastic $2 Million Measures to Slay Major F1 Pace Disadvantage
It is hard to fathom the fact that despite being only twenty-four years old, the Dutch prodigy has been in Formula 1 for eight years.
Max Verstappen warned not to take his foot off the pedal
Red Bull boss Christian Horner is not taking their lead for granted and has advised Max to do the same. The Brit boss believes the title race is far from over and expects their rivals to fight back with all guns blazing.
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Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 20, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates with team principle Christian Horner after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Nicolas Tucat
“He’s [Verstappen] doing a super job this year, Ferrari are tough competitors,” Horner said.
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“There’s nothing that we take for granted, we have just got to keep that momentum running.”
Red Bull are currently enjoying a hefty ninety-seven points lead over Ferrari; and a further thirty points over last season’s champions Mercedes. With the season already halfway over, Red Bull will be looking to win their first constructor’s title in 9 years.
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The Formula 1 season resumes this week with the Belgium GP in Spa. Max Verstappen would be looking to add to his victory last year at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Do you think Verstappen can defend his title this year?
