Verstappen: "Winning twice is more than we had expected"

While adventurous Helmut Marko said Max Verstappen would become the youngest Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen himself and Christian Horner were more realistic during pre-season. However, six months down the line and the Honda transitional period is over. 

Red Bull are now winning races. Verstappen has climbed onto the top step twice along with many podiums. The flying Dutchman admits that winning twice is more than he ever expected. 

“Let's not forget that Mercedes had problems with cooling in Austria. That certainly helped and because of that, I was able to win. But still: Winning twice is more than we had expected at certain moments. The progress we are making is good, it should be a little bit better," the Dutchman tells De Telegraaf.

During the final couple of races before the summer break, Verstappen was starting to fight Lewis Hamilton. In Hungary, it was those two drivers who were far ahead. Hamilton managed to win, subsiding any thoughts of a Verstappen fightback in the championship. The 21-year-old sits more than 60 points behind the championship leader. 

"That is almost impossible. That is only possible if Lewis is really unlucky. It looks positive for next year, but we must not forget that the rest is not standing still either. If we want to close the gap, then we really have to get down to work," Verstappen adds. 

“I am satisfied with the progress made. I think we can win even more with Honda if you look at how they are doing in the first year. The potential is certainly there once you learn to interact better. The most important thing now is that we constantly perform and find that connection."