Max Verstappen won a chaotic Dutch Grand Prix to take a record-equalling ninth consecutive Formula 1 victory, leaving Horner full of praise for his driver’s ‘generational’ talent.
The result was also Verstappen’s third straight victory at Zandvoort, since its return to the calendar in 2021, as his winning run shows no sign of letting up.
Verstappen led 58 laps of his home race and survived torrential conditions to match Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 record of consecutive wins, also set with Red Bull.
Horner is clearly aware of the talent his driver possesses and was not short of praise for the Dutchman’s relentless supremacy.
“To have achieved nine victories with Sebastian was very special,” Horner told select members of the press, including Total-Motorsport.com. “It’s something I never thought we would end up repeating.
“And to be sitting here with Max having replicated what Sebastian did 10 years ago is very special, for him and for the whole team.”
Verstappen’s winning run commenced in May, when he took victory at the Miami GP after starting from ninth place. Since then he has won every F1 race, including the prestigious Monaco GP.
In that time, the world champion has taken six pole positions, including a ‘Grand Slam’ in Spain and also led every single lap for three-straight races. Demonstrating incredible consistency and speed, Horner noted the level Verstappen is at.
“I think that Max is in a period of his career where he’s just simply untouchable,” Horner added. “I don’t think there is any driver on the grid that would be able to achieve what he’s doing in the car. He’s been in incredible form for about the last three years.”
Cany anyone stop Verstappen?
Verstappen looks to break the record at the Italian GP and right now it appears that he could truly set an unassailable target for any future aspirers.
His consistency and sheer speed has proven unmatchable for anyone this year, except Sergio Perez, and even the Mexican has been unable to offer a contest since April.
In a championship of one at the moment, Verstappen could win the title as early as the Qatar GP which is Round 18 of the 2023 F1 championship.
