Christian Horner says Red Bull are building Drivers’ Championship momentum after Max Verstappen took a dominant victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver pulled off a superhuman move off the start to drive around championship leader Oscar Piastri and driving away to take victory in Red Bull’s 400th Grand Prix.
In doing so, Verstappen narrowed the points lead to just 22 points, closing in on the McLarens.
Throughout the race, Verstappen proved faster than both papaya machines for the first time this season, even pulling a gap after the safety car period.
Christian Horner's looks to be more on pace after upgrades in Italy
Reuters
Red Bull team principal Horner was very pleased with the team outperforming the McLarens and is optimistic that this is a sign of pace to come from the Milton Keynes team.
"It's been a very positive weekend and I think we're building a bit of momentum, which is important at this stage in the championship," said Horner.
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"To have the pace that we did in the race, I would say that's probably, since certainly Brazil last year – which was a wet race – the first time I can remember in a long time we've had the pace to really pull away and out-deg the McLarens.
"A second win and arguably we should have won in Jeddah.
"It's an important win for the team at this stage of the championship, it feels like we're building a little bit of momentum behind the scenes.
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Max Verstappen was back on form as he won in Italy
Reuters
"It's a timely win championship wise. It keeps the pressure on and keeps us in touch."
There has been ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s future at Red Bull amid a difficult start to the season, however, Horner’s confidence has never wavered:
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"All year he's been working hard behind the scenes. He's been very supportive in the team," Horner remarked.
"There's always a lot of noise outside of our team but never inside and everybody is just focused on the job.
"Everybody is leaving Imola upbeat about the upcoming races."
Both Red Bulls showed better pace after the upgrades last weekend
Reuters
Verstappen and Red Bull will look to make it two back-to-back wins when the team goes again this week as teams race around the iconic streets of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix.
