Christian Horner claims Max Verstappen ‘almost’ ended up winning the British GP

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Max Verstappen has continued to put forth impressive results amidst Red Bull’s struggling pace. The Dutchman couldn’t score the pole and had to start the race from fifth. Regardless, the 26-year-old continued to battle on the track and scored a P2 finish overall. Hence, Christian Horner reckoned that Verstappen almost won the British GP.

Max Verstappen continued to move up the pecking order and switched to the hard compounds towards the end. Subsequently, the Dutchman showcased a mega improvement in pace and finished P2, just two seconds behind Lewis Hamilton. Hence, Christian Horner noted that Red Bull nearly ended up winning the race. Additionally, the team principal recalled how Red Bull was slower compared to Mercedes and McLaren on different stints.

We nearly ended up winning it. The first stint, we didn't have the pace on the medium, Mercedes were quicker and then the weather came, and McLaren were quicker.

Christian Horner said, as reported by Sky Sports F1.

Apart from this, Horner noted that the team committed a mistake to pit too early for the Inters during the rain. However, despite the rivals being faster on the stint, Verstappen continued to perform well and score a great end. The 50-year-old also noted that pitting for the hard compound towards the end was the factor that enabled a P2 finish for Red Bull.

Then we were on the inter, and we were a lap too early and you could see the others were quicker, but then it was coming back at us. Then it came down to the last stop, and we had a hard tyre.

Christian Horner added.

Discover: WATCH: Oscar Piastri follows Daniel Ricciardo’s ‘shoey’ tradition with Lando Norris after British GP

Max Verstappen was extremely close to Lewis Hamilton for the British GP victory towards the end. Mercedes has continued to showcase a good improvement in performance as compared to the season start. Hence, this could potentially revive the age-old rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen.
Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Lewis HamiltonLando Norris, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)
Regardless, Horner was delighted with the Briton’s victory at the British GP. The former noted that the race win for Hamilton was ‘very popular’ and well deserved. The 39-year-old won the race in front of his home crowd and made the event more special. The Red Bull boss further congratulated the former world champion on his victory.

We have to congratulate Lewis, it is a popular and well deserved win.

Christian Horner noted.

Max Verstappen will have to continue to score results amidst a mediocre challenger. Red Bull will have to continuously work over the chassis to regain their winning ways. Milton Keynes has taken a massive hit in their tally of total points over the race weekends since the struggling pace came up.