Horner: Max Verstappen “more than capable” of challenging for World Championship

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has said that Max Verstappen is “more than capable of” challenging for a Formula 1 World Championship after finishing third in his best season so far.

Verstappen’s 2019 saw him claim three wins in Austria, Germany and Brazil, whilst claiming his first pole position in Hungary, adding a second at Interlagos, to finish third behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

But Horner reckons his driver has got himself into a position to challenge for the title should they produce a goo enough car.

“He’s in a position now where he’s more than capable of challenging for the World Championship,” Horner told Red Bull’s official website.
 
“We need to give him a car that he can do that with.
 
“If we can do that I’ve got every confidence that he can take the fight to Lewis, Mercedes and Ferrari.
 
“He’s right there; his form has been fantastic and I believe he’s the most in-form F1 driver at the moment.”
 
Horner also feels that Red Bull are in the best position they have been since the introduction of the hybrid era to challenge for a title, wanting a strong start to the 2020 season.
 
“I think we’re in the best position we’ve been in since the change in regulations at the end of 2013,” he added.
 
“Red Bull’s philosophy to invest in youth means we have emerging young talent in all areas of the business which is really starting to pay dividends and the team is on a charge.
 
“We need to come out of the blocks competitively next year, Mercedes are still the benchmark going into next year so we need to try and push them from the first race in order to take the challenge to them.
 
“There is a real buzz and anticipation in the factory at the moment, so we need to capitalise on that and build on the positive momentum from 2019.”