Horner: 'Verstappen now right up there with the best'

Christian Horner has always been a big believer in the talent of Max Verstappen, but the Red Bull Racing boss says the teenage prodigy is now 'right up there' with the best.

Verstappen's climb to the pinnacle of motorsport has been nothing short of prodigious, and includes the status of youngest Grand Prix winner in the history of Formula 1.

While the young Dutchman has showcased his talent and skills on numerous occasions, Horner believes all doubts have now been lifted as to where he belongs in the F1 hierarchy after his performance in the wet in China.

"I think he is right up there," Horner admits.

"It is not a coincidence now. You can see Brazil wasn't a one off, and that maybe good old Bernie's sprinkler system would be good for us.

"The way he has grown up driving go karts in the wet on slick tyres and stuff like that, he has developed a real instinct and feeling."

• Marko dispels Ferrari-Ricciardo rumors

Horner drew a comparison with another man he had under his wings for many years.

"I remember Sebastian [Vettel] being fantastic in the wet. The first race he won here was outstanding but the great drivers always stand out in wet weather conditions.

"We saw Lewis at Silverstone in 2008 and the great drivers always do make a mark for themselves."

Treacherous conditions always unveil extraordinary skills, if they are there. But Horner believes Verstappen is endowed with a special kind of genius.

"He appears to have an almost sixth sense in the wet," said Horner.

"He doesn't seem intimidated by it in any way, and is prepared to explore all the boundaries of the circuit available, to find where the grip is.

"There was one move he made on the outside of Turn 6, where he went straight down the outside of two or three cars and then cut back, and it was very, very impressive."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter