Christian Horner makes ‘best in the world’ claim about Max Verstappen after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen delivered one of the best drives of his career to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 17th on the grid.

The Dutchman remained strong in the face of adversity throughout the weekend, including an engine penalty and unfortunately timed red flag during qualifying.

He has all but closed out a fourth straight drivers’ title at the expense of Lando Norris, who now needs a miracle to achieve a maiden crown.

It was the sort of performance in the wet that marks a great driver, much like Ayrton Senna at Donnington in 1993 or Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone in 2008.

Christian Horner says Max Verstappen ‘with some of the greats’

On a day when he dominated his opposition, he also took the record for the most consecutive days in the lead of the world championship.

Michael Schumacher previously held that record, a man who could be equally as good as Verstappen on his day.

What’s most impressive is that he did it without a car that holds a clear advantage – one that may have been about the same in race trim as Ferrari or McLaren.

READ MORE: Ted Kravitz questions key Mercedes decision after ‘real no-no’ at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Speaking after the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed that he is up there with the greats already.

“In the wet and the dry he’s the best in the world at the moment. One of his very best drives today.

“That marks him out with some of the greats now.”

Verstappen ends five-month win drought

Verstappen’s last victory before today came at the Spanish Grand Prix, held at the end of June – the last time Red Bull had a clear advantage.

It shows how consistent he has been to hold a big lead in the championship still without having been able to climb onto the top step of the podium.

A key question is whether Red Bull will be able to get back on track in 2025 and redevelop another competitive car, or whether they will choose to focus on the new technical regulations which arrive the year after.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen reveals his ’emotions’ after ‘rollercoaster’ Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory

It would be a tough ask to expect him to compete for a championship with the sort of deficit he has experienced over the last few months.

But, if anyone has proven that they can do extraordinary things with lacklustre equipment, it’s the Dutchman.