Max Verstappen made a rusty start to the 2018 season. A run of great performances in the second has boosted him up to 5th in the Championship and has the potential to challenge Valtteri Bottas. His boss, Christian Horner insists Verstappen has become a better driver after riding the storm in the opening six races.
His performance in Austin last weekend was labelled "unbelievable" by Horner. The 21-year-old started from P18 and worked his way up to second.
Horner, in an interview with motorsport, evaluates the Dutchman's performance post-Canada.
"I think really since Montreal he has driven some brilliant races. He had a tough start to the year. He didn't let his chin drop. He didn't let the pressure get to him," Horner said.
"He rode the storm and emerged the other side. I am sure it only made him stronger. And he has got a pretty decent level of experience now, that he is putting to very good use."
Speaking of experience, Verstappen will race in his 100th Grand Prix next season. At his age, that's an incredible statistic.
He is tipped to become a World Champion in the future. But during the opening stages of the season, former drivers insisted he didn't have the full drive. Horner now answers those critics.
"I think he is becoming more and more rounded in all areas. We just need to give him the tools to do that kind of performance every weekend," Horner concluded.