Christian Horner reveals SURPRISE disappointment at Max Verstappen during Belgian Grand Prix

Horner and Verstappen in 2023 — Photo: © LAT Images

Red Bull

Horner reveals SURPRISE disappointment at Verstappen during Belgian Grand Prix

The Red Bull team principal had an interesting point of view after Verstappen's Belgian Grand Prix victory

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Tuesday 1 August 2023 17:07

Christian Horner has revealed his 'surprise' that Max Verstappen did not take the lead sooner during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Starting from P6 – owing to a five-place grid penalty for a pre-race gearbox change – it seemed to be a matter of when, not if, Verstappen would eventually take the lead.

And that reality came true on lap 17, as the two-time world champion cruised past team-mate Sergio Perez and never looked back.

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And despite Verstappen's superiority, Horner has now jokingly admitted that he thought the Dutchman would be up in first sooner than he actually was.

Horner: Verstappen took his time

Max Verstappen took 17 laps to pass Sergio Perez and take the lead at the Belgian Grand Prix

“I was surprised it took him so long to get to the front, to be honest with you," he told media including GPFans. "But honestly, all jokes aside, I thought he drove an incredible race today.

"His pace, obviously in the first stint, passing the cars. He did a great job getting up to P2, and then after the stop, his race really came alive on the medium tyre, where he showed incredible speed.

“You know, Checo obviously didn't defend too hard because of the speed difference between the two of them. And thereafter, it was about managing the rest of the race.

“So, it's phenomenal to go into the summer break unbeaten in both grands prix and sprint, and I think it's beyond everybody's wildest imagination to be sitting in this position now.”