Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has lavished praise on reigning world champion Max Verstappen for ‘finding another gear’ en route his second successive championship.
The 2021 season went right down to the wire and Verstappen was perhaps a touch lucky to eventually get a controversial call from Michael Masi work his way.
However, he was unstoppable this season and romped to a record 15 Grand Prix wins in the season.
Verstappen was so dominant that he is now being ushered in the same breath as the likes of Lewis hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher.
With Red Bull looking good to challenge for the title once again in the 2023 season, it is possible that Max could also establish a similar legacy to some of the finest drivers the sport has witnessed.
Horner was more impressed with the growing maturity showed by Verstappen, as his talent was already known across the circuit.
“He just made another step this year,” said Horner.
“Winning that [first] championship really took the pressure off his shoulders. He just matured and stepped up a gear.
“He adapted to the new regulations brilliantly, got his head down, and just drove some incredible races.
“When you look at those grand prix victories, wow! There were some incredible races there.
“He was absolutely the outstanding driver of the season.”
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