Horner: Verstappen must have winning car
- Published on 27 Jul 2017 14:35
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- By: Mason Hawker
Christian Horner has said that it is crucial for Max Verstappen to receive a winning car next year after the struggles that have robbed him of several points finishes in 2017.
The Dutchman's current deal with Red Bull expires at the end of 2019, and whilst the team has continually insisted he cannot escape this contract, his RB13 has so far proved unreliable on many occasions. This has led Verstappen and his father Jos to not totally rule out a move to Mercedes or Ferrari. Verstappen's run of bad luck ended last time out in Silverstone with a strong finish, and when asked if he was relieved about this, Horner answered: "You could say that."
Moving onto the matter of his driver's recent frustrated outbursts, he told Algemeen Dagblad: "Of course he has shown some emotion, especially when you stick a microphone under his chin after a bad race, but he has also always been under control.
"This phase in his career is still character building for him, because F1 is not a sport that relies simply on a racquet, bat or ball. So he will only get stronger and more complete."
Horner also added that improvement is coming to Red Bull as a team, and has been since the Spanish Grand Prix in May. He is confident that they can improve further in the future and retain Verstappen. "Since Barcelona there has been real progress in every race with the possible exception of Silverstone, but we're clearly on the right track.
"It's up to us to give Max a car with which he can win before we talk about the future. If we do that, I'm sure there's no team Max wants to race for other than ours."
Mason Hawker
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Replies (5)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Then give him one
JoeGreen84
Posts: 30
A truly great driver can wrestle the best out of an noncompetitive car. he isnt great yet and wont be until he has proved himself.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But you do not have one. So are you saying you are willing to give him away? I think not.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Nope he's saying that they (redbull) need to improve. It took bringing adrian newey back to get the rb13 anywhere near the front. They are still suffering from having a less competive powerplant. Not sure if redbull can close the gap on a chassis alone. The fact that a team like redbull can't get their hands on it still stinks.
RonLin210
Posts: 5
Every driver wants a "winning" car.