Max Verstappen 'doesn't mess about' as Christian Horner hails F1 star after Spanish Grand Prix win

Max Verstappen has been hailed by Red Bull chief Christian Horner after winning the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 26-year-old started the day second on the grid after Lando Norris had secured pole 24 hours previously.

Yet Verstappen summoned his usual quality to secure victory and extend his lead at the top of the Formula One standings.

It was a huge victory for the Dutchman, who has faced some criticism amid a slight dip in form compared to 12 months ago.

Max Verstappen has been hailed by Red Bull chief Christian Horner after winning the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday

SKY

But Horner was full of praise for Verstappen, who followed up his victory in the Canadian Grand Prix with another exceptional performance.

"Max [Verstappen] drove a brilliant race and strategically we got it just right," he told Sky Sports.

"We went for an optimum race time and it paid off.

"We knew McLaren would come back with the overlap on the tyre but we had just enough in hand.

"The first lap was crucial and the pass on George [Russell] was even more important.

"He [Verstappen] is so decisive, he just doesn't mess about.

"I think that is one of his key qualities - you know if he is there, he is going to go for it. The other drivers know that."

Red Bull have dominated F1 in recent years but, in 2024, other teams have started to close the gap.

When quizzed on whether his side have the fastest car, Horner was uncertain.

Yet he lavished praise on McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes while also saying he was pleased that his team were able to keep their noses in front.

"I think it's tight. It is small margins," he said.

"Max and Lando were 18 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. In the end we got the job done and bagged maximum points.

"Since Miami, Lando has probably been the standout competitor and we are going to have to be at the top of our game to win.

"It's tight - but we keep winning.

"McLaren are doing a great job, Ferrari aren't far behind, Mercedes are improving, but we are keeping our noses in front."

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Max Verstappen was impressive as he fended off Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to win the Spanish Grand Prix

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While Verstappen flourished, it was a difficult day for Sergio Perez - with the Mexican struggling once again as he finished eighth.

Perez's place in Red Bull's line-up has come under scrutiny given his current lack of consistency.

Yet Horner feels everyone must work to coax the best from the 34-year-old.

"We put him on a three-stop and it worked out. He passed [Pierre] Gasly on the last lap.

"He will take quite a bit of confidence out of that race.

Red Bull chief Christian Horner has revealed his team must do more to get Sergio Perez 'in the mix' after his Spanish Grand Prix struggles

REUTERS

"Theoretically we said eighth was the best he could do when you look at all the sims and he achieved that.

"We do need to get him more in the mix."

The 26-year-old was too strong for Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona