Red Bull boss Christian Horner has stated that Max Verstappen “answered the critics” with his memorable comeback drive to win the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Verstappen took a giant stride towards retaining the title in Brazil as he charged through from 17th place on the grid in the wet to triumph for the first time since June.
The Dutchman’s brilliance commanding the headlines marked a stark contrast to the situation going into the weekend when all attention was on his driving standards.
Verstappen picking up two penalties over clashes with Lando Norris in Mexico in the previous round had heightened the discussion over whether he is too aggressive.
Ex-F1 champion Damon Hill was among those who scolded Verstappen as he claimed the Red Bull driver adopted “intimidation” tactics when racing against his rivals.
However, Verstappen expressed that he ignored such comments prior to asserting that the perceived witchhunt derived from him holding the “wrong passport” for F1.
Horner believes that Verstappen’s latest career success – which has handed him a 62-point championship lead – provided the ideal reaction to the recent denunciation.
“Of course, there has been a lot of comments that have been made and opinions that have been voiced against Max and the way he drives,” he told Motorsport Week.
“And I think the best way to answer those critics is to produce the drive that he did today.
“We’ve watched a lead that has been diminishing since before the summer break.
“Having not won since June, it was great to hear the Rolling Stones playing again in the garage in memory of Dietrich Mateschitz. That we play every time we win a Grand Prix.”
Verstappen’s ‘mental resilience is huge’
Horner has divulged that Verstappen’s hardened mental resolve meant that a conversation about the criticism that he has tolerated over recent weeks wasn’t required.
“You know when to put an arm around him, but he’s not that kind of driver,” Horner explained. “He works it out for himself.
“His mental resilience is huge, and that’s part of the strength that he has.
“But you can see how much it meant to him. I don’t think I’ve seen him that animated on a podium for, I can’t remember the last time.
“So it meant a huge amount to him. And I really believe that we’ve witnessed one of the great drives in Formula 1 today.”
READ MORE – Red Bull: Max Verstappen emulated Ayrton Senna with F1 Brazil GP opening lap run
