‘Relentless’ Verstappen up there with the very best – Horner

Max Verstappen “is up there with the very best” drivers in Formula 1 history, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, after he sealed a third world title in Qatar.

Verstappen clinched this year’s championship through the outcome of Saturday’s Sprint Race, in which he placed second, while Sergio Perez retired.

It is Verstappen’s third successive world title and comes one event after Red Bull clinched the Constructors’ crown for a second year in a row.

“I think from Miami, that was such a massive turning point for Max, that then run of domination, 10 victories in a row, it’s been the most outstanding, unbelievable season,” said Horner.

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“To see him now join names in the history of the sport like Jack Brabham, like Niki Lauda, like Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Sir Jackie Stewart, there are some massive names, and Max Verstappen now joins that list of very illustrious drivers that now form an exclusive club and part of the history of the sport.”

At the age of 26 Verstappen is the second-youngest three-time world champion, behind Sebastian Vettel, and is fifth on the all-time win list.

“I think with his age and what he’s done and the period that he’s been involved, he’s up there with the very, very best,” said Horner. “He is achieving some phenomenal and exceptional results and as a team we are really proud of him.

“I think Max as a driver has just continued to evolve, he’s continued to grow. And the level that he’s now operating at, in the way he’s able to read races, the way he’s able to manage tyres. The mental strength that he has in the high-pressure moments, is absolutely outstanding.

“He doesn’t leave anything on the table, he wants it all. That drives and motivates the team internally. He is relentless in his pursuit of performance, and he doesn’t just want to win, he wants to dominate. I think you see that in any great sportsman, their pursuit of excellence and pursuit of not just wanting to beat but totally dominate their opposition is again a hallmark of what makes him such an exceptional talent.”