The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry in Formula 1. Max Verstappen, an emerging talent, was on the brink of securing his first world championship, while Lewis Hamilton was chasing an unprecedented eighth title. The race turned dramatically in its closing stages when a crash triggered the safety car. Until that point, Hamilton had been leading comfortably and appeared set to make history.
Verstappen executed a decisive move in the final laps, and Mercedes immediately protested. However, the FIA dismissed their appeal, leaving Hamilton’s hopes dashed as Verstappen claimed the championship title. This pivotal race not only crowned a new champion but also set the stage for contrasting fortunes between Mercedes and Red Bull. While Red Bull surged into dominance, clinching successive titles, Mercedes struggled to adapt to the new ground effect regulations, which relegated them from title contenders to a midfield team. Christian Horner, the RBR chief, has predicted that Max Verstappen might beat Lewis Hamilton’s WDC tally.
“He’s Got The Capabilities,” Horner Backs Verstappen To Break Hamilton’s Record
Max Verstappen has consistently played down the importance of chasing records, including the iconic seven-title milestone held by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. The Dutch driver has also expressed uncertainty about committing to a decade-long career in Formula 1, emphasizing his focus on the present rather than long-term records.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, acknowledged Verstappen’s potential to surpass the seven-title benchmark but stressed the unpredictable nature of Formula 1. Success, he explained, depends on various factors, including the right blend of driver skill and machine performance. Horner noted that while Verstappen has the ability to achieve historic milestones, the increasingly competitive grid and the stable technical regulations for 2025 will make the upcoming season a tough challenge. He described the convergence of car designs and philosophies across teams as a sign of heightened competition, making victories far from guaranteed in the future.
Reflecting on Verstappen’s journey with Red Bull, Horner highlighted the remarkable growth of the Dutch driver since joining the team as a teenager. A product of the Red Bull Junior Team, Verstappen’s talent was evident even in his Formula 3 days, as identified by Helmut Marko. Since then, Verstappen has evolved from a prodigious youngster into a seasoned champion. While his raw speed remains unchanged, Horner praised the maturity, perspective, and experience that Verstappen has gained over the years, calling his development a privilege to witness.
Christian Horner Explains How Criticism Affects Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving style has drawn attention and sparked criticism throughout his career. However, Christian Horner has defended his star driver, pointing out that similar scrutiny has been directed at legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton during their careers. While Verstappen’s bold approach may invite debate, Horner believes much of the criticism is unwarranted and emphasizes that Verstappen’s style is integral to his success.
Horner also highlighted Verstappen’s sensitivity, noting that while he may be aware of the critiques, his confidence within the Red Bull team remains unwavering. He praised Verstappen as the best driver in the world by a significant margin, attributing much of the Dutchman’s success to the trust and comfort he has cultivated within the team. Horner acknowledged the team’s responsibility to provide Verstappen with a competitive car to ensure his exceptional talent continues to yield remarkable results on the track.