Horner after Belgian Grand Prix: 'Max just drove a great race today'

Published on 26 August 2018 by Bryan van Berlo

Christian Horner, team principal of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, had the following to say after today's race in Belgium: “Max just drove a great race today, recovering from seventh on the grid passing the Haas of Grosjean on lap one and then the two Force Indias. Obviously he lost touch with the leaders in the course of making those passing moves, and certainly in the first half of the race we didn’t quite have the pace to keep in touch with the leaders.”

“As soon as the pit stops had taken place he had good pace and was able to match the leading cars until the end of the race. So, in reality quite a lonely race for Max, but fantastic for him to achieve a podium in what is effectively his home Grand Prix in front of such an enormous crowd here in Spa.”

“For Daniel it was a great shame he got caught up in someone else’s accident at the first corner. It looks like Hulkenberg misjudged his braking to cause the chain of events and the damage to the front and rear of Daniel’s car was significant. The mechanics did a wonderful job in getting the car turned around but unfortunately having lost two laps to the lead car, and with engine mileage at a premium, we had to make the decision to retire the car from what was only ever going to be a 16th place finish for Daniel today.”