Christian Horner compliments Max Verstappen for "very strong race" in Abu Dhabi

Christian Horner is satisfied with Max Verstappen's performance in Abu Dhabi after the Dutchman recorded a P2 finish. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing boss says his lead driver had a "very strong race".

“It was a very strong race for Max to finish second and cement third in the Drivers’ Championship. It was his ninth podium of the year and our 170th in total," Horner said in the official Red Bull Racing review.

Verstappen hoped to overtake pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton at the start of the race, but the Mercedes driver opened up a 1.6-second lead in just the opening lap. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old had dropped to second place after Charles Leclerc made the overtake.

"We lost a position on the first lap to Leclerc but with good strategy and pace, Max got back past and it was a very comfortable second place to the end of the race," Horner added.