Horner takes aim at Verstappen critics after dominant Brazil GP win

Christian Horner has asserted Max Verstappen's drive at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last weekend was the “best way to answer critics”.

Verstappen's driving standards were called into question over the last month following a series of on-track incidents with McLaren's Lando Norris.

Norris was forced wide by Verstappen on several occasions amid their F1 title fight, drawing criticism from a series of personnel.

1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill labelled it “silly driving” while Johnny Herbert questioned Verstappen's “horrible mindset” in wheel-to-wheel battle.

Verstappen returned to the top step of the podium last time out in Brazil, rising from 17th on the grid, which Horner asserted was a strong way to hit back at critics.

“There has been a lot of comments that have been made and opinions that have been voiced against Max and the way he drives,” Horner told media including RacingNews365.

“The best way to answer those critics is to produce the drive that he did today.”

Horner pleased with Red Bull F1 mood

Verstappen's win in Brazil marked his first victory since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.

In that time, rival teams have closed the gap to Red Bull, with the Milton Keynes-based squad dropping to third place in the constructors' championship.

Verstappen's dominant victory in Sao Paulo allowed him to stretch his lead over Lando Norris to 62 points, placing him on the verge of a fourth F1 title.

Horner hailed the atmosphere within Red Bull after the long-awaited victory.

“We've watched a lead that has been diminishing since before the summer break,” Horner said.

“Having not won since June, it was great to hear the Rolling Stones playing again in the garage in memory of Dietrich Mateschitz [Red Bull founder], that we play every time we win a grand prix.”