Horner fears for Verstappen’s fourth Formula 1 title after Monza

Red Bull Team Leader, Christian Horneradmitted that he thought Max Verstappen’s fourth world championship at the Italian Grand Prix looked challenging with the big threat from McLaren.

The RB20 was the stronger car in the early races of the season and it seemed likely that Verstappen and his team would continue their run of dominance after 19 wins from 22 races in 2023.

But Red Bull’s role as the dominant force came to an end at the Miami Grand Prix.when the team started having problems balancing the car. That same week, McLaren took a leap forward with a large package of improvements that allowed Lando Norris to win his first race.

Verstappen managed to win three of the next four races, but later began a 10-race winless streak as McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes took turns taking the lead, giving the former a lead in the Constructors’ Championship that it still retains today. .

But as Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Las Vegas, team principal Christian Horner admitted he feared the Dutchman’s chances would be diminished, starting with the Italian Grand Prix, where Red Bull endured its worst weekend ever.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, talks to Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing.

Photo: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images

When asked if he agreed with Verstappen’s words: For 70%, Red Bull did not have the fastest carHorner replied: “I would say that is correct. After Miami, I would say that was the turning point.”

“The car was very difficult to drive, but he was able to adapt and get the most out of it. I think we have improved in the last few races, but in Monza it seemed like the championship was slipping away from us.”

“We had many more world championships to go and at that point we were at a significant disadvantage with McLaren, Ferrari and even Mercedes,” he added.

Although Monza was Red Bull’s lowest point, with Verstappen 38 seconds behind Charles Leclerc in sixth, it was also the beginning of a solution to the RB20’s balance issues. Red Bull never regained its full lead over McLaren, but Verstappen and the team were able to achieve enough results to prevent Norris’ return..

“Engineers worked tirelessly, and the men and women at the plant worked long hours, early mornings and on weekends, to maintain vehicle performance,” he said.

“The turning point for me was Austin with the sprint race win, the front row of the Grand Prix and the podium he got there. And then, of course, Brazil (where Verstappen won the race in the wet, starting from 17th place). the grid) was a real highlight in so many ways, it was such exceptional driving that it was match point,” concluded Horner.