Verstappen beats the Ferraris again to reclaim third in standings
Monday 13 May 2019 06:16, UK
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has hailed Max Verstappen's F1 2019 performances as "phenomenal" and "remarkable" after the in-form driver secured a Spanish GP podium with another superb drive.
Verstappen beat both Ferraris to finish third behind Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in Barcelona, once again displaying maturity and immense speed as he overtook Sebastian Vettel on the first lap.
The Dutchman, still just 21, has not been armed with the strongest package on the grid but has arguably been the form man over the last year, and his Spanish podium means he is currently third in the drivers' standings.
"In the last 12 months, since Monaco last year, he's selected another gear," Horner told reporters after the race. "His performance has been phenomenal and he's extracted every ounce of performance out of the car."
Verstappen's achievements this year have been all the more impressive considering the gap to his team-mate Pierre Gasly, who has yet to beat him in qualifying or the race so far.
Verstappen is leading Red Bull's fight with Ferrari, and Horner believes the Honda-powered team have a good chance of beating the Scuderia over the season.
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Spanish GP Race Report and Results
"He races so strongly," the team principal added. "It was a really intelligent first couple of corners, and then obviously a very brave pass on Sebastian around the outside of Turn Three.
"I think he's really showing his maturity and composure. And his consistency in the car... today he was trading a tenth every lap. That's been remarkable."
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