F1 News
Horner explains Verstappen's words: 'Does that because he's working hard'
The Italian Grand Prix proved to be a difficult one for Red Bull Racing. At Monza, after qualifying in P7, Max Verstappen could only finish in sixth place, and Sergio Perez remained in eighth position. Following the race, both Verstappen and Helmut Marko were critical of where things stand. Team principal Christian Horner talked about how the Dutchman is involved in the process of getting back at the front together and also how things stand in both championships.
Verstappen did not shy away from saying how bad the RB20 was over the course of the weekend in Monza. Following the Italian Grand Prix, he once again repeated the problems he had to face during the race in Monza. Christian Horner however, underlined that all of this is happening because of the defending world champion's dedication.
"What's really impressed me with Max is how he's really engaged in this process. He's not, he's not panicking. He's working with the engineers. He's explaining very clearly where the issues are. He's putting the time and effort in. He was in early this morning. He was on zoom calls last week and he'll be on the simulator before the next race. He's really working hard at this," Horner told GPblog and others following the Grand Prix.
The Briton therefore praised his driver. "And I think he's shown great maturity as a world champion. The way he's working with the engineering team. Nobody likes the situation we're in at the moment. Nobody's happy with it. We've got to work really hard to turn it around. But the one thing this team has is strength and depth and tact. And we'll come back," he added.
Horner on championships
Following the Italian GP, Max Verstappen and Red Bull still lead both championships, but their rivals have once again made a step to close in on them. "Based on today's performance, you'd say both are under absolute pressure. We were the fourth fastest car today. And as you know that's the reality. We've got to turn it around if we want to make sure we win both titles," Horner said.
Verstappen's leads the drivers' championship by 62 points ahead of Lando Norris, while now only eight points separate Red Bull and McLaren in the constructors' standings with eight Grands Prix to go this season.
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