
Horner reveals Verstappen DRS malfunction theory
F1 News
Horner reveals Verstappen DRS malfunction theory

Christian Horner has hinted Red Bull has been "too ambitious" with weight-cutting measures after Max Verstappen experienced DRS troubles at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Verstappen was unable to complete his final flying lap in qualifying on Saturday after the DRS failed to activate in a straight line, the lack of assistance leading the Dutchman to believe he was down on power.
Despite believing a fix had been made in the build-up to the race, Verstappen continued to struggle with the rear-wing flap temperamentally failing to open before flicking open and shut.
“I think that it needs further analysis," said Horner when asked what had caused the problem.
"Of course, we’re chasing every ounce of performance and when weight is a factor as well, maybe we’ve been too ambitious there.
“But I think we need to understand exactly what the issue is because we thought we had a fix but unfortunately it didn’t prove to be a reliable fix for the whole of the race.”
Verstappen beatable despite stellar record
Horner has insisted Verstappen can be beaten despite the reigning F1 world champion's incredible start to the year.
The Dutchman took over the championship lead in Spain despite a slide into the gravel and his DRS issues to make the most of Charles Leclerc's DNF. Now he heads to this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix at the head of the title race.
Other than his retirements in Bahrain and Australia, Verstappen has taken victory at every grand prix this season as well as finishing first in the Imola sprint.
Given his 100 per cent winning record when finishing, Horner was asked if his driver was 'unbeatable', to which he replied: “No, not at all because the competitors are very strong and I think we’ve had our moments but every race we have won, bar this one, has been on the absolute limit.
“I think that Max is driving extremely well, Checo is doing a great job but I expect it to be a very tight competition throughout the season.”
Related news

Horner fears F1 2024 regulations could END Red Bull dominance

Ricciardo admits 'perfect end' to F1 career means LEAVING team

Horner details Perez's mentality problem in Verstappen battle

Horner details major F1 hurdle causing nervous wait for Red Bull
Most read

Surprise F1 name tipped to partner Verstappen at Red Bull

F1 News Today: Wolff brutally plays down huge Mercedes decision as Perez raises alarm over employee welfare

F1 News Today: Verstappen makes Ricciardo accusation as Horner issues worrying Mercedes verdict

F1 News Today: F1 star dishes DIRT on rivals as Wolff hits back at 'INSULTING' allegation

McLaren star makes startling 'girlfriend' admission
F1 Standings

Drivers
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
-
Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860