Horner fires ominous warning after Verstappen's third F1 title

Christian Horner believes that Max Verstappen will only improve as a driver after securing his third Formula 1 title in Qatar.

The Dutchman crossed the line in second place behind Oscar Piastri, bagging enough points to seal the World Championship, although the title was already secured after Sergio Perez crashed out mid-way through.

Verstappen has enjoyed a dominant campaign, winning 13 out of the 16 Grands Prix so far this year, and two of the four Sprints.

Despite the high level on display from Verstappen this year, Horner believes that he is only going to get better in the coming years.

Verstappen's greatest strength

“He's the most competitive driver that I've ever met,” Horner told Sky F1.

“I think the determination that he drives with, the passion, the heart, the commitment and of course there's the abundance of skill that he has.

“He’s up there with the very best, some of the greatest the sport has seen. This season has just surpassed anything we've ever seen.

“We did a lot of winning with Sebastian but this has taken it to another level

“He's only 26, I think he's still going to get better, he’s still going to evolve and I think he's still going to grow as a driver."

Horner added that Verstappen's self-confidence to deliver under any circumstance sets him apart from a majority of his rivals.

“I just think the self-belief, there’s the self-confidence he has in himself, to go out and nail it, to go out and deliver,” he said when asked about his best trait.

“We've seen it in the wet. We've seen it on out laps. We've seen it in changing conditions. It's just quite outstanding.

“That for me is the biggest thing, his ability to be one with the car, the confidence in himself and the self-belief is something that is absolutely stand out.”