Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted that Max Verstappen‘s first lap in Formula 1‘s Sao Paulo Grand Prix was reminiscent of Donington in 1993 with Ayrton Senna.
Verstappen was consigned to lining up in 17th place as an unfortunate red flag in qualifying eliminated him in Q2, while an engine change demoted him five positions.
However, the Dutchman was imperious in the wet around the Interlagos circuit as he stormed through the field to secure his first win since June with a 19-second gap.
Horner has revealed that Verstappen’s speed in the earlier Sprint race encounter provided Red Bull with the encouragement that it had the pace to mount a comeback.
“Yeah, I mean, today was an emotional rollercoaster because we knew we had a good car,” Horner told media including Motorsport Week post-race in Brazil.
“Yesterday the car was quick. “To finish third, then lose it with a VSC, but to be able to follow that closely around here in the Sprint race, we knew we got good pace.
“Quickest in, I think, Q1, and Q2, obviously, the way things played out, we were just very unlucky.
“So then, having elected to take the five-place penalty as well with the engine, you know, you’re on the penultimate row of the grid, P17.
“So, you know, very quickly you have to brush yourself down and focus on the race ahead.”
Horner draws Senna/Verstappen comparison
Verstappen’s charge to the front began with an electric start as he aced the launch to make up six positions on the opening lap to be on the cusp of the points places.
Horner compared the reigning F1 champion’s positioning in those initial corners to the renowned European Grand Prix in 1993 which saw Senna rise from fifth to first.
“Max’s mental strength and attitude to deal with that is, you know, is outstanding,” he continued.
“I thought his start today, you know, was electric. And that first lap was, you know, up there with Donington 93’, around the outside of Turn 3.
“I think he passed, what, six cars on the first lap. And then he was the only car that was really making progress, being able to pick cars up so late on the brakes into Turn 1.
“Whether it was with Lewis [Hamilton], with Oscar Piastri, and then obviously at the restart with Esteban [Ocon].
“Then he just controlled the race and pulled away, you know, with ease at sometimes a second a lap. So, on a pretty dreary day, he shone pretty brightly today.”
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