- Christian Horner: ‘At all times, Max had the pace’
- McLaren admit surprise at speed of Red Bull car
Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen’s victory at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix demonstrated Red Bull might have reached a turning point in their attempt to catch McLaren in the Formula One world championship, potentially igniting the season.
Verstappen won in Imola having pulled off a striking pass to overtake the pole-sitter and title leader Oscar Piastri for the lead through the Tamburello chicane on the opening lap. After which the world champion went on to control Sunday’s race from the front with pace that was more than a match for the McLarens who had previously dominated the season. It marked the first time this year that Red Bull had definitively held the upper hand in race pace , having not overworked their tyres in doing so and Horner felt it indicated they were in the title fight.
