Christian Horner has warned the rest of Formula One that the best of Max Verstappen is yet to come.
The Dutch driver is one of the in-form drivers in F1 at present, having won two of the past five races for Red Bull Racing.
Ahead of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Horner, the Red Bull team principal, told The National in the Yas Marina Circuit paddock: "I think he will continue to evolve and grow as he gains more experience.
“I think he is going to get stronger and stronger.”
The 20-year-old driver has broken a number of records since becoming the youngest driver to compete in F1 at the age of 17 with Toro Rosso in 2015.
He became the sport’s youngest winner at the Spanish Grand Prix on his debut for Red Bull last year when he triumphed at the age of 18 years and 228 days.
-
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel prepares for first practice ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Christopher Pike / The National -
Mercedes-GP's Valtteri Bottas during first practice ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Christopher Pike / The National -
Mercedes-GP's Lewis Hamilton, tied with Sebastian Vettel on three Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wins, drives out on to the Yas Marina Circuit track. Christopher Pike / The National -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the most exciting emerging driver in F1, is out and about at Yas Marina Circuit. Christopher Pike / The National -
Verstappen's teammate Daniel Ricciardo is eager to get out there to prove his title credentials for 2018. Christopher Pike / The National -
The Australian Ricciardo has much to prove in the final race of the 2017 season. Christopher Pike / The National -
Verstappen of the Netherlands will be one to watch out for in Abu Dhabi as well as in 2018. Christopher Pike / The National -
Hamilton, meanwhile, has already saealed the F1 title but wants to keep the momentum going. Christopher Pike / The National -
Crew members push Verstappen's car in the pits. Christopher Pike / The National -
Felipe Massa will be driving in his final Formula One race, unless Williams find a way to convince him to stay - again. Christopher Pike / The National -
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen will likely be a handful in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National -
Fans take in the first practise session at Yas Marina Circuit. Christopher Pike / The National -
Crew members work on Verstappen's car during first practice. Christopher Pike / The National -
Vettel won his first battle with Hamilton by recording the fastest time in the first practice session. Christopher Pike / The National -
The German Vettel will want to end the season on a high after missing out on a fifth title. Christopher Pike / The National
Despite a string of mechanical problems in the first half of this season, Verstappen has bounced back to be sixth in the drivers’ championship ahead of Sunday’s race, with the highlights being his wins in Malaysia and Mexico.
Referring to Verstappen’s teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who triumphed in Azerbaijan in June, he added: “It is exciting to be working with a talent like Max and I think we are lucky with the two drivers we have.
“For me we have the best driver pairing on the grid.”
As to Red Bull’s chances of winning in Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2013, Horner says his team are well poised to mount a serious challenge to world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes-GP team, as well as Ferrari.
“We are keen to finish the season on a high. It has been a good last third of the year for us,” he said.
“This track, certainly in qualifying will be a tough one, but on race day we should hopefully, if we can be reliable, have a competitive race car.”
______________
Read more
Seb Vettel fastest in first practice ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton knows how his Arsenal can win titles once again
Lance Stroll keeping feet on ground after successful debut season
Sergio Perez says Force India 'won championship' for best of rest
______________
