“I’ve never seen anyone as eager”- Christian Horner on Max Verstappen, as he vouches for his dedication amidst the competition with Mercedes.
Christian Horner holds his expectations for a successful Formula 1 career on Max Verstappen, who was the only contention point against the Mercedes duo in 2020.
Touted to be the second-best team ahead of the 2021 season, Red Bull has conspicuously placed the Dutchman at a pedestal when they sort their lineup priority.
However, with Horner’s recent statement, he seems to have a reason to back his hopes on the 23-year-old F1 driver, as he reveals that he is the most eager and hardworking driver he’s ever seen.
“That’s what’s so interesting about Verstappen. He’s still a youth but has had that hunger and eagerness from the start. We’ve had a lot of great drivers, but I’ve never seen anyone as eager as Max,” said Horner to BBC.
The difference is the risk.
Later in the interview, Horner compared two modern-day greats- Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel to Verstappen, and according to him, a significant factor separates them.
The more experience a rider gains, the less unnecessary risks they take. That is the case with Lewis and Sebastian, for example. Thanks to their experience, they know exactly when to choose the right moment to take more risks.
“In the free practice sessions, they build. Take it easy, and you never actually see them taking risks. Before qualifying, they shift up a gear. In the races, you also see that the real top riders only take risks when it is essential, which is something that sets Hamilton apart.”
“He still takes risks as if he were a newcomer. But at the right time. The hunger and enthusiasm are still there, but his experience means he drives perhaps a little more calculating than at the start of his career,” said Horner.
