Horner enjoys Verstappen: 'He can handle pressure so incredibly well

Having Fun

On the Red Bull Racing website, Horner analysed his star driver: "Make no mistake, fighting for your first F1 title is an intense moment in your racing career, but the maturity Max has shown throughout the campaign has been extremely impressive. He’s relaxed and dealing with the pressure incredibly well, I think he is driving better than ever. A good example of this was during the race in Qatar, when he did not feel we could catch Lewis, but commented over the that radio he “wanted to have some fun”. Max is plain-speaking and he calls it how he sees it. He doesn't work with a sports psychologist; it is just how he copes with it."

Horner and Red Bull are in full battle for two championships: in the drivers' and constructors': "Fighting for two world championships is exactly what we’ve worked hard for. We’re going into the last few races and it’s extremely close. Max is just eight points ahead in the Drivers' Championship and five points behind in the Constructors', in previous years we'd have bitten your arm off to be in this position at this point in the championship."

Intense year

The Red Bull Racing boss admitted it has been a tough season. "We want to be up at the top fighting for titles and while it has been an intense year, the pressure is something we put on ourselves. With the benefit of experience, we only worry about the things we can control, rather than the things we can't, especially while the stakes are high." 

Horner continued: "I have really enjoyed this championship and the fact we’ve been able to take the fight to Mercedes and Lewis, it’s been a phenomenal season to date. Some people thrive under pressure and some people shy away from it, but I’ve always felt I have performed at my best under pressure and that doesn't feel any different to any other campaign. Off circuit there has been a bit more distraction, but when the green light comes on, everything else is insignificant."