Horner explains why Verstappen seems to get better every year

In 2023, Verstappen broke a series of records. Never before had an F1 driver been as dominant as Verstappen in a single season. With his 19 victories in 22 Grands Prix, he equalled the record he set himself back in 2022. However, according to Horner, Verstappen continues to improve every year.

What makes Verstappen improve every year?

"I think you’re always learning, I think he’s [Verstappen] the same. He’s like a sponge – he just soaks it up, and he applies it. And he’s just hungry for information. He wants that knowledge, and then he applies it," Horner said after Verstappenen's third world title for Red Bull Racing.

The Red Bull team boss is convinced Verstappen will continue to grow in the coming years. "I mean, at 26, obviously, he’s still got quite a few years left in him. But he’ll go as long as he wants to and his motivation is there. I think he’s very strong in his own mind. I don’t think he’ll be driving when he’s 42 in F1. But that’s 18 years away or 16 years away from where he is now. So I think he’s going to take things one season at a time.”

Verstappen has made no secret of the fact that he does not intend to stay in Formula 1 forever. The Red Bull driver has a contract with his current team until 2028 and does not rule out hanging up his helmet after that period. Much depends on how competitive Red Bull remains after the regulation changes in 2026.