At just 23 years of age, Max Verstappen has already cemented himself as one of the best drivers in Formula One today. Despite the current F1 grid hosting four world champions, the Dutchman is ruling the roost in 2021, with 18 points separating him and defending champion, Lewis Hamilton, in the drivers’ championship.

Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner spoke about Max’s attitude while recalling his debut with the team in 2016.

Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen has his feet on the ground

Verstappen made his F1 debut with Toro Rossso back in 2015, aged 17. This made him the youngest ever driver to debut in F1, which he will remain due to the FIA changing the minimum age limit to 18.

In 2016, Red Bull switched the Dutchman for Daniil Kvyat during the season, after which he remained with the team. Despite multiple failed attempts to challenge for the world title, he finally has a competitive package this season to go the distance.

Appearing on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Horner revealed that it’s Verstappen’s attitude makes him a great driver. He said, “I remember he was only 17 when he joined us. So, the difference between 17 and 23 is a big percentage of a young person’s life. I think the maturity and experience he has now, he’s got his feet on the ground.

“He’s just a no bullsh*t racer. That’s all he cares about, that’s all he wants to do. You know when you put him in the car, he’s gonna give you 110%. That’s what makes him so exciting to watch.”

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Horner recalls “surreal” Verstappen debut in 2016 at Barcelona

Although Verstappen barely spent time in the Red Bull car prior to the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, he took an impressive victory in his first race with them. Horner revealed his performance amazed the team that day, especially since his then-teammate Daniel Ricciardo was on a better strategy.

He said, “We were thinking, ‘How the hell did he do that?’ Because we thought we put Daniel on the better strategy and Max managed to convert a one-stop into a win. And I remember it was the most surreal thing.

“He never even sat in the car before the weekend. We just chucked him straight in and boom, first victory.”

The Briton will hope his Dutch driver can continue his winning form in their home race this weekend. Although Mercedes are no pushovers, it seems Red Bull carry all the aces at the moment.

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