Horner: "Max still learning car in qualifying"

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Christian Horner believes the only visible difference between drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen is that the latter still has room to improve in the exercise of qualifying.

The two senior bulls appear evenly matched in race trim, with Verstappen even showing a slight edge over his team mate on several occasions.

While Horner would not go as far as to say that the Dutchman is now outracing Ricciardo, he did acknowledge that both men were nearly on the same level of performance.

"Max has been racing in the past two or three races very strong and very good on the tyre," Horner explained.

"He is under pressure as well but it doesn’t faze him. He has got a bit of work to do on the quali-side which Daniel is right at the top of his game but it is great to have two drivers so evenly matched and pushing each other. I think it will come with experience."

Asked whether second-placed Verstappen could have eventually won last Sunday's Austrian GP, Horner said it would not have been possible on merit alone, but Ferrari however, had been outpaced.

"Only when the two Mercedes started to get it juicy in the last lap. On outright pace, no, it was obvious Mercedes were the quickest cars.

"I think we benefited from the Mercedes get together on the last lap but I think we had the upper hand on Ferrari in the race today which was great.

"We’ve taken 13 points out of their lead and it was a positive home GP and great for Dietrich [Mateschitz] to see his car leading the race and fighting for the podium."

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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.