Red Bull Content Pool

General

In quotes: How Max, Marko, Horner and Jos Verstappen experienced weekend Spanish GP

In quotes: How Max, Marko, Horner and Jos Verstappen experienced weekend Spanish GP

15-05-2021 12:39

GPblog.com

Exactly five years ago Max Verstappen grabbed his first win in Formula 1. By winning the Spanish Grand Prix on his debut for Red Bull Racing he became the youngest winner ever in the premier class of motor sport. For Verstappen it was a GP to remember. We describe the legendary weekend of the 18-year-old Dutchman with a few quotes from the key players at Red Bull.

Horner reacts to promotion Verstappen

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko will decide on May 5: Verstappen should take Daniil Kvyat' s place in Spain. In making the announcement the Red Bull team boss said: "Max has proved to be an outstanding young talent. His performance at Toro Rosso was impressive. We're delighted to be able to offer him the chance to drive at Red Bull. We are in the unique position of having all four drivers from Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso on long-term contracts, so we have the luxury of moving them between the two teams."

First reaction Verstappen

The press conference at the Barcelona circuit was a spectacular one. Verstappen reacted to his switch for the first time and thanked the Red Bull bosses. "I'm very happy with the opportunity I've been given. The plan was always to go to a top team. I think it was a bigger risk to drive in Formula 1 so young, than to move to a top team now. Of course it is a new car and I have to learn a lot but the team gives me a lot of confidence."

Jos Verstappen immensely proud

At the paddock in Montelo father Jos let us know: "If you walk around here between Red Bull I am very proud, it all went so fast it was not exciting. It is all much bigger now and also more professional. Max needs time to get the most out of the car. It can go very fast, but if it is against the odds it can take a while.''

Verstappen after Friday

Verstappen scored sixth and eighth place respectively in the first two free practice sessions. "I'm happy with how the first day went. We were able to go through all the procedures, it was important to drive the car a lot and get used to everything. It's all just a little bit different than the Toro Rosso, also the seating position is a little bit different. But today it all went fine, I am happy with how it went. It went better and better every time."

Max reacts to qualifying

On Saturday afternoon, Verstappen came four tenths short of pole position. The difference with teammate Daniel Ricciardo is only seven thousandths. "It was a pretty good qualifying though. I certainly enjoyed it. With the second row of the grid I'm very happy. It was important to stay calm and analyse everything well with the team, so we can get everything even better. I hope for a good start on Sunday and a lot of points for the championship.''

Horner praises Verstappen

Commenting on Verstappen's fourth place on the grid, the British Red Bull chief said:'This is a fantastic result and a great performance from both drivers. Verstappen has been fast all weekend and his debut has been fantastic for the team. Max reminds me a lot of a young German driver we had in our team a few years ago (Sebastian Vettel, ed.). The calmness he has in the car is very similar. At this age, it's very impressive what he does in the car. He really is the real deal."

Verstappen wins in Spain

The Dutchman can't believe his luck: "Yes, I'm very happy. After the last pit stop we went 32 laps, I was a bit worried about that. It was very difficult on the tyres, so I decided not to push too much for the first ten laps and just catch the Ferrari. Then I checked the gap. The last five laps Kimi was also struggling and then I knew!"

Jos doesn't believe his own eyes

A victory was something the former Formula One driver and father of Max had not seen coming at all. "I have no words for this, it is unbelievable. Really unbelievable. He deserved it. He drove insanely. How he did it, I really have no words for it. I didn't know he could ride that long on those tires. Unbelievable, really, really well done. I have no words for it, really."

Marko and Horner enjoy

Helmut Marko could utter very little after his young pupil's victory: "Unbelievable, unbelievable. With such calm." Horner too is silent: "We are as much in shock as you are. We knew there was a chance when both Mercedes cars went off the track on the first lap. But what Max has done is incredible. It's fantastic that Formula 1 has a new winner, an 18-year-old boy. He doesn't even get to drink the champagne. This was a pure achievement. Max didn't make a single mistake this weekend.''