Verstappen confidence "sky-high" ahead of F1 title defence

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has claimed F1 world champion Max Verstappen's confidence is "sky-high" ahead of pre-season testing.

Verstappen secured his maiden championship crown after a last-lap showdown with Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Dutchman's confidence has never been questioned but off the back of a 'dominant' season', Horner has warned Verstappen is ready to build into F1's new era.

"For Max, he was just phenomenal last year, an outstanding season. He dominated," said Horner at the launch of the RB18.

"The amount of laps led, 10 grand prix victories and, of course, the world championship, so his confidence is going to be sky-high.

"So he's looking to build on those performances in 2022."

The fierce battle between Verstappen and Hamilton throughout 2021 saw a number of flashpoints with each feeling hard done by at times.

Reflecting on how the team pulled together in adversity, Horner added: "The strength in depth we have in the team, the way they coped through the pandemic to continue to develop the car the way we did and to deal with the challenges that we faced last year has really galvanised the team.

"We go into 2022 in great shape and are looking forward to the season ahead."

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