Christian Horner Confidently Backs Verstappen as F1's Best Talent

Christian Horner, now a former Red Bull F1 boss, has once again shown unwavering support for Max Verstappen when posed with a frequently debated question ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Horner firmly believes that Verstappen is the best driver in modern Formula 1, regardless of hypothetical scenarios.

Though drivers often take the spotlight, F1 is fundamentally a team sport, with each constructor crafting its own unique machinery. This not only differentiates drivers by skill but also by the capabilities of their cars. Take George Russell, for example. After winning the 2018 Formula 2 Championship, he joined Williams and spent his early F1 years at the back of the grid. Yet, when he filled in for a COVID-stricken Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, he nearly clinched a victory for Mercedes on his first attempt.

In junior racing categories like IndyCar and Super Formula, drivers compete with identical chassis, allowing pure talent to shine. However, in F1, a common debate is which driver would prevail if all had equal machinery. For Horner, the answer is straightforward.

"Max," Horner declared to TalkSport without hesitation. "He’s a generational talent, and I’d be pretty confident to back that."

When asked about comparing drivers across different eras, including current stars like Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and rising talent Kimi Antonelli, Horner admitted: "It’s impossible. It’s only over a period of time that you’ll see how they evolve and develop. For me, Max was the most impressive talent I ever saw in a car and certainly ever worked with."

Horner reminisced about Verstappen’s early days: "It was clear, very clear from a very early age, and from the first time he stepped in a Grand Prix car, he stood out. He joined us as a teenager and just evolved and grew. He’s a phenomenal driver, and Formula One’s very lucky to have talent across these different age ranges, from Lewis as almost the elder statesman, to Max probably at his prime, and obviously a young Kimi emerging."

So, while the debate over who reigns supreme in equal machinery continues, Horner’s vote is firmly cast for Verstappen, the driver who continues to impress and captivate the F1 world.