Christian Horner does not want Max Verstappen to be a “robot” in public relations
Since the beginning of his career, Max Verstappen has been more known for his driving than his media appearances. However, in 2023, the Dutchman shared his views more.
In 2023, Max Verstappen has been more frank and direct during press conferences and media appearances. Up until now, the Red Bull driver has always been reserved, leaving little room for the expression of his emotions in his responses. However, he has evolved on this aspect, as demonstrated by his statements during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
At the end of the driver presentation during the inauguration ceremony, Max Verstappen had shared his frustration of having to « wave his hand like a clown to greet the public. »
Max Verstappen wants to share his opinion
This new, more direct attitude from Max Verstappen is drawing reactions, as people are not used to this behavior. The Dutchman shares more of his point of view, as was the case regarding his lack of enthusiasm for racing on city tracks. While the public appreciated his frankness, the FIA, for its part, smiled less. However, Red Bull’s director, Christian Horner, praised his driver for the honesty he has shown since this season.
« We believe that our drivers have the freedom to think », the Briton declared in the columns of AutoSport. « They are not robots, they have opinions and Max, as a world champion, has a voice, and we do not force him to give his point of view on public relations. He’s a very honest young man, and he will tell you how he sees things. I think that’s even quite refreshing. »
Despite these unusual media outings for his team, Christian Horner does not notice any major changes in his driver. « I think he’s changing because he’s maturing, he has a little more facial hair these days », joked the team director.
« But the very essence of who he is hasn’t changed. He climbs, he drives and does what he has to do. He doesn’t appreciate all the hoopla that surrounds Formula 1, and he’s never taken part in it. He does his job professionally. He’s just an unconditional racer, and he’s down to earth. And if he’s not racing in F1, he will drive a GT car or other models. He lives and breathes racing. »
A driving style that has evolved
Max Verstappen’s mindset has not changed. The driver is still fueled by the flame of victory. In 2023, the Dutchman won 19 out of 22 races contested. He is always in search of success, and his near-flawless driving also contributes to this success.
This level of performance has evolved over the seasons. Contrary to his early outings with Toro Rosso and Red Bull, he shows more patience with fewer dangerous overtakes.
« If you look at the control he has in races, the way he reads the cars, the tire management he has : exceptional », analyzed Christian Horner with AutoSport. « He simply uses the experience he has gained. In many ways, in the first corners, he has proved absolutely calmer than at the beginning of his career. His timing has been excellent. He is not rushed to do everything in the first laps. He now knows how to make his way throughout a race without making mistakes. »
Thanks to his 19 victories, Max Verstappen has surpassed the record for the most wins in a season, which he had set the previous season with 17 successes.
