Verstappen still on a learning curve - Horner

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Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen's botched weekend is nothing to worry about as the Dutch prodigy is still on a learning curve.

Fresh from his sensational win in Barcelona, Verstappen hit the skids, and the guardrails, in Monaco, crashing in practice, in qualifying in Saturday's Q1 and then again in Sunday's race.

But up to his exit on lap 34, Verstappen, who certainly had his work cut out for him after starting from the pitlane, had produced an impressive drive up the field, reaching P9 before his early demise when he hit the wall at Massenet.

"He had a very strong first half of the race," Horner told Motorsport.com.

"He had made some great overtaking moves, and had made good progress to be running in the top ten.

"He was pushing on because basically he saw that Rosberg was not that far ahead, and unfortunately the conditions caught him out at the top of the hill. He wasn't the only one today who was caught out."

Despite the repetitive incidents, Horner feels no major concerns, believing it's all part of learning the ropes of Grand Prix racing.

"It has been a very contrasting weekend for him compared to two weeks ago, but I think it is all part of the learning curve that he is on.

"I think the trajectory that you can see is still extremely impressive, and I think he can only learn. And I doubt you will see him make the same mistakes this time next year."

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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.