Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner believes the United States Grand Prix was a “real turning point” as Max Verstappen chased a fourth Formula 1 title.
Before the vital Sao Paulo GP victory that allowed Verstappen to successfully clinch his fourth successive title in Las Vegas, the Dutchman endured a 10-race winless run.
A significant low point during the barren streak was the Italian Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished sixth and the Dutchman later told De Telegraaf: “Everything in terms of updates planned before Monza, we could throw in the bin.”
Horner spoke with select media including Motorsport Week after Verstappen’s title ascension in Vegas about that Monza low point and how racing in Austin, Texas turned the tide.
“Monza is still a long way of the championship to go, and we had a significant disadvantage to McLaren, Ferrari, and even the Mercedes at that point,” Horner said.
“And I think the engineers have worked tirelessly, and the men and women behind the scenes have worked long hours, early mornings, weekends, to keep getting performance to the car.
“For me, a real turning point was Austin, getting the sprint race victory there, getting on the front row for the Grand Prix, the podium that he scored there.
“And then, of course, Brazil was really the crowning moment in many respects. It was such an outstanding drive. That provided the match point here, and he converted it relatively straightforwardly.”
Verstappen agrees that Austin marked Red Bull turning point
After the disappointing Italian GP, Verstappen said “At the moment both championships are not realistic,” prompting Red Bull to turn things around.
Like Horner, the Dutchman credited the team with improving the RB20’s performance and felt the United States GP in Austin, Texas was key.
“At one point, it seemed like we were a little bit lost, but at least now it feels like it’s all a bit more normal,” Verstappen said.
“Of course, here in Vegas, I feel like it’s a very one-off event where it’s very cold and the track layout is also quite special.
“But in general, I do think that since Austin, we have turned it around a little bit and we’re a bit more in that fight again.
“And yeah, all credit to the team for that. Of course, I know that it’s been quite a tough season for us overall, also the constructors, but at least we still won one championship.”
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