Christian Horner: Crimson-Bull-Honda exceeded expectations in 2019

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Max Verstappen is Crimson Bulls big title hope for 2020. This year the Dutchman drove his most consistent season so far: In 15 from 21 Formula 1 race a place under the High 4, nine times on the podium, three of them as winners. In the end he secured third place in 278 points the World Cup.

“Yes, I think it will struggle Max 'strongest year in Formula 1”, confirmed Crimson Bull team boss Christian Horner . At the same time, he points out that it was actually a transition year for the crew in view of the engine change. “The partnership with Honda has worked extremely well from the very first race, the podium in Melbourne.”

With every update that was introduced there was an improvement, Horner said, and praised the reliability : “In Azerbaijan we only had one mechanical DNF this year, and with each stage of development we got closer and closer to the chase. The three pole positions and three victories are testimony to this.”

Even though the pole in Mexico was lost due to a subsequent penalty, a total of nine podium finishes this year are “a really impressive achievement,” says the Crimson Bull team boss. Although it was not enough for the five victories envisaged by Helmut Marko, Horner said that his expectations had been exceeded.

“The relationship with Honda struggle is fantastic in many ways, the reliability, the performance increase of the Motors … It was an absolute spotlight. The way Max drove was also very, very positive. ” Even the driver change from Pierre Gasly to Alexander Albon in the middle of the season survived unscathed.

“I think that struggle is the right thing”, judges Horner. After all, with one exception, Albon drove consistently into the high 6 in the second half of the season. “Alex has earned his place in the car for next year. And thanks to a very promising result, we are going to Abu Dhabi (P2 and P6; .) with a lot of motivation in the cool climate. “

In view of the stable rules for the coming season, he shows himself in relation to the balance of power 2020 optimistic. “Hopefully we can be the challenger next year. Mercedes has had another very strong year and set the standard, but it feels like we're definitely getting closer.”