“He’s got the capability to do it”: Christian Horner backs Max Verstappen to cross Lewis Hamilton's championship tally
Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen has the potential to surpass Lewis Hamilton’s record of seven world championships. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, in Las Vegas, the Red Bull Racing CEO praised the four-time champion’s journey and highlighted that, with the right tools, Verstappen could achieve even greater success.
Verstappen has often downplayed the significance of chasing records, including breaking the seven-title benchmark held by Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. The Dutchman has also been non-committal about extending his career for the next decade.
While Horner acknowledged the possibility of Verstappen achieving eight titles or more, he also emphasized the unpredictability of Formula 1 and the increasing competitiveness of the grid, adding that success in 2025 is far from guaranteed.
Asked by Sportskeeda if Max Verstappen can surpass the existing record of seven titles in his F1 career, Horner said:
“I think there's you know for sure he's got the capability to do it. It's, that's dependent on other factors as you know, as you well know in this sport, it's about man and machine. So we've got to make sure that we give him the machinery that's capable of competing. I think ’25 is going to be hugely competitive, I mean it's stable regulations, you can see how the cars have all converged, the philosophies of the cars have totally converged, so it's going to be another marathon next year and nothing's guaranteed.”
Further elaborating on the Dutchman’s journey in the sport so far, he added:
“Well look I mean he came to us as a teenager and as a product of the Red Bull Junior team and you know his talent was clear. Helmut identified that when he was in Formula 3 and he joined us very quickly after that and I think that it's been an absolute pleasure seeing him grow from a boy into a man and the speed has never changed. His experience, his perspective, his maturity is what has evolved over the last few years.”
Christian Horner believes criticism against Max Verstappen in recent times has been unwarranted
Christian Horner has dismissed recent criticism of Max Verstappen’s driving style, calling it unfounded. Addressing remarks made after the Austin GP and in previous weeks, the Red Bull Racing CEO defended the Dutchman’s aggressive and attacking approach on the track, comparing it to the driving traits of all-time greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton.
Horner noted that all three champions faced similar scrutiny for their bold driving throughout their careers. The 50-year-old team principal praised Verstappen as one of the best drivers in the world, emphasizing that it is Red Bull’s responsibility to provide him with a competitive car that matches his exceptional talent.
Asked if the criticism in recent weeks has affected Verstappen, Horner said:
“He's more sensitive than you think and I think that, you know, the criticism, you know, I think inevitably he's aware of it and some of it I think is very unfounded. He’s a driver that drives aggressive, he's an attacking driver, but so was Senna, so was Schumacher, so was Hamilton. And they all came under the same kind of spotlight at various times in their careers.”
Asked if the Dutch champion had become irreplaceable and indispensable to the team, he replied:
“Look I think that he's the best driver in the world by a margin and I think that he’s comfortable in the team, he has a great deal of trust in the people around him. And we know that we've got to give him a good car to keep him recognizing and achieving the kind of results that he's, you know, his talent warrants.”
Max Verstappen secured his fourth championship title in Las Vegas, extending his lead to 62 points. The Dutchman finished fifth, ahead of title rival Lando Norris, clinching the title with two races remaining in the season. His achievement places him alongside legends like Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost, who also have four titles. Despite the Hasselt-born driver’s success, Red Bull sits third in the constructors’ standings, trailing Ferrari by 29 points and McLaren by 53, with a tough battle ahead in the final rounds.