Horner after Russian Grand Prix: 'A fantastic drive from Max'

Published on 30 September 2018 by Julien Lemmen

A big challenge awaited Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in Russia. Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo had to fight their way up front after starting at the back of the grid. Both drivers succeeded, finishing in P5 (Max) and P6 (Daniel).

Team principal Christian Horner is satisfied about the outcome of the Grand Prix in Sochi:  “A fantastic drive from Max today on his 21st birthday; it was a really mature performance and getting into the top six in the first seven laps was phenomenal to watch. Max then led the race for a large percentage of the Grand Prix but of course we had to make the mandatory pit stop, which we did with ten laps to go, putting him out of touch with the leaders. With the Ultrasoft tyres being quite fragile he was unable to take the fight to Ferrari in the closing stages, bringing his car home in fifth place.”

“Finishing fifth and sixth behind Ferrari and Mercedes was the optimum we could have achieved from the back of the grid today, but it has been very encouraging to see the strong pace of the RB14 all weekend.”