Horner declares calmness on Verstappen: 'It's just content'

Max Verstappen is safely on top with an 80-point lead heading into the summer break. The Dutchman has been very relaxed this season and Christian Horner believes that is no coincidence, as he told Sky Sports.

The reigning world champion battled it out with Lewis Hamilton last season. While the Briton was able to take his eighth world title, Verstappen had not been champion before the end of 2021. That situation is completely different this year, as Red Bull Racing's team boss knows.

Behind the scenes, Horner has noticed that Verstappen has a lot of composure from the first race in 2022. The British team boss believes winning the world championship has done him good, making him feel he has to fight less to prove himself.

"It's just content now he's got that world championship. He's comfortable in his own skin and the team, he feels everyone has his back. He has the number 1 on the car," said Horner, adding that Verstappen is a real enthusiast. "He loves racing. If he's not racing F1, he's racing online with his mates."