F1 News, Reports and Race Results

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."

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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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