Christian Horner lost faith in Checo Perez’s championship challenge after the fifth race
The Red Bull boss emphasized that the Miami GP was a turning point in the 2023 season
While the 2023 Formula 1 season looked set to be a battle between the two Red Bull drivers, Christian Horner says it was advantage Max Verstappen after just the fifth race.
Verstappen and Checo Perez split the opening four races, prompting talk of a battle between the two drivers ahead of the Miami GP.
However, the Dutchman asserted his dominance in Florida, winning the race despite starting ninth, while Perez had to settle for second after starting from pole.
The importance of the result wasn’t lost on Horner, who believes the victory set Verstappen on his way.
“I think we’ve noticed [the triumph] coming from about the fourth or fifth race,” Horner told media.
“I think from Miami that was such a massive turning point for Max and then the run of domination, 10 victories in a row.
“It’s been the most outstanding, unbelievable season and to see him now join names in the history of the sport like Jack Brabham, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Jackie Stewart…
“There are some massive names that Verstappen now joins that list of very illustrious drivers that form an exclusive club in all of the history of the sport.”
