Horner: 'Confident Max can challenge for the World Championship'

Published on 20 December 2019 by Niels Hendrix

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner reflects on the 2019 Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen’s season was an overall success with three race wins as well as his first, second and arguably third career pole positions. But what does Horner think of how he’s done? “I think he took on the responsibility of being the team leader and is now very much the rounded package. He has driven some phenomenal races this season and has completed over 100 races at just 22 years of age, which gives him an incredible knowledge bank of data and experience.”

With green shoots of progress showing throughout the 2019 season, a settled team, and ending the year positively, Horner is optimistic about charging into 2020: “We’ve got continuity across all aspects for next year, with aerodynamic, engine and tyre regulations plus a stable driver line-up which enables us to take all the learnings from this year and apply them into next year. It’s less than 90 days until the Australian Grand Prix and the factory is working flat out to get the car prepared.”

The big question on everyone’s lips though is: Can Max become World Champion next year? Horner: “He’s in a position now where he’s more than capable of challenging for the World Championship and we need to give him a car that he can do that with. If we can do that I’ve got every confidence that he can take the fight to Lewis, Mercedes and Ferrari. He’s right there; his form has been fantastic and I believe he’s the most in form F1 driver at the moment.”