Christian Horner claims Max Verstappen is “Ruthless” once he is inside the cockpit

Dutch driver Max Verstappen achieved one of the greatest seasons in the history of Formula 1. Red Bull’s development trajectory will likely enable the chance of recreating a similar season in 2024. Hence, Christian Horner resonated with the paddock’s thoughts about the three-time world champion.

Red Bull team principal commented on the non-racing aspect of the dominating Dutchman. Horner revealed that as a person, Verstappen is a nice young person. Subsequently, the Briton asserted that the 26-year-old was passionate about racing and also uncomfortable with the amount of fame that he garnered solely due to his racing prowess.

Max, as a person, is just a really nice 26-year-old young man, Who is passionate about his racing, and uncomfortable with the level of fame or notoriety that he has now.

Horner told Secrets of Success podcast

The Dutchman’s behavior and attitude outside the grid are quite evident from the other activities that the team plans for the drivers. Despite Verstappen’s sweet character off the grid, Horner insisted that the three-time world champion was ruthless while racing in an F1 car. And Verstappen also puts his 110% while racing, from the very moment that he leaves the car, explained the Briton.

So, outside of the car, he is quite a gentle character. Inside the car, he’s ruthless. I’ve never met a driver that is as driven as Max – from the moment that he steps into the car, you know that you’re gonna get 110 percent. He will expect 110 percent back – from the moment that that car leaves the garage.

Christian Horner commended the resilience of Max Verstappen during the high-stakes moment

The 26-year-old has faced many exciting and high-stakes moments in his long career in F1. Verstappen’s mettle and his racing mentality have been applauded by multiple people on the grid. Hence, Horner also commended the Dutchman over his racing competency in Formula 1 as compared to others on the grid.

The 51-year-old believed that no other driver on the grid had the resilience like Max Verstappen to be able to deal with the pressures that come through at the high-stakes moments while racing in F1. This was also evident from his record-breaking performance in the entire season despite the few hitches down the road.

I’ve not come across a driver previously with his resilience to be able to deal with pressure at those high-stakes moments.

Hence, as the team prepares itself to surprise the grid for another season, the team is hopeful of a season filled with positives. The development for the RB-20 is going on in a full-swing mode and would probably succeed like the dominant RB-19 this season.

In case you missed it:

• Ex-Ferrari Design Chief leaves Haas F1 after disagreements with team owner Gene Haas
• Lewis Hamilton’s dream F1 film starring Brad Pitt to shoot in USA’s IMSA series

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW