Max Verstappen dominated the last season, almost making it an obvious and boring one. But what does it take to be a double world champion? It is not a fluke to go on to conquer a season with 15 wins of 22 races. There certainly has to be a secret ingredient to the race winning recipe other than a very fast car. The car gets left out of the discussion because two drivers drive the same construction yet only one become the champion. Red Bull boss, Christian Horner, believes he knows what sets Max apart.

Christian Horner who has been the longest serving F1 team principal and also having overseen victory of several world championship titles, certainly knows what makes a champion. However, the man still had to wait almost a decade to bring the trophies back to Milton Keynes in 2022. Synergy of Adrian Newey’s alchemy and the masterclass driving prowess showcased by Verstappen made it possible. He believes the Dutchman who seems unwavered by the external factors even in the most crucial situations is perhaps himself the secret ingredient. 

Formula One F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – Jose Carlos Pace Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil – November 11, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is seen before qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Nelson Almeida

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Horner appreciated his champion saying he has never seen the man nervous. He said, ” That’s the only thing I haven’t seen from Max. Even during the pressure of his home Grand Prix in the Netherlands, with the very passionate and incredible Dutch crowd, he seems to be able to take the pressure off and focus on what is needed. His mental toughness is one of his greatest assets.”

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While the current world champion stood ahead of all the drivers last season. Horner threw some light on where he stands compared to Red Bull’s previous champion Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel was much more analytical than Max Verstappen says Horner

Sebastian Vettel clinched four back-to-back titles with Red Bull marking a very dominant era for the team. The current boss of Milton Keynes has always been around, meaning he saw the reign of Vettel and is now leading the team to witness the same with Max Verstappen. However, apart from the multiple championships, what else do the two have in common? Hornes gives an insight.

He stated, “They are similar in that they are both very ambitious and committed people who tirelessly strive for their ultimate goal.” Outlining their different personalities and characteristic traits, he said, “Sebastian was much more analytical and went into great detail in his meetings with the team. Max has a very good understanding of what’s going on with the car and is very succinct in his feedback.”

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Going in 2023 season as reigning champion, can Max Verstappen make it a hattrick?