Red Bull reveal turning point for Verstappen's championship charge

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has described the turning point for Max Verstappen's championship hunt this year.

The Milton Keynes-based squad has enjoyed a dominant campaign, winning 16 out of the 17 races staged so far.

In the opening four races, Verstappen took two race victories while team-mate Sergio Perez also claimed two and talk began to sprout over a potential title fight between the two Red Bull drivers - though the Dutchman soon squashed such discussions as he went on a run of dominance by winning 10 races in a row and setting a new consecutive wins record for F1.

His streak began at the Miami Grand Prix at the beginning of May and didn't end until Singapore, held in mid-September.

Perez's championship hopes looked alive and well entering the Miami Grand Prix having taken pole in qualifying whilst Verstappen could muster only ninth.

The now-three-time World Champion made an error on his opening effort and was cut short on his final attempt by Charles Leclerc's crash.

But Verstappen easily claimed victory in what would have been a huge dent to Perez's confidence and the Mexican followed up with a torrid run of form from Monaco until Hungary.

“I think we've noticed [the triumph] coming from about the fourth or fifth race,” Horner told media including RacingNews365.com.

“I think from Miami that was such a massive turning point for Max and then the run of domination, 10 victories in a row.

“It’s been the most outstanding, unbelievable season and to see him now join names in the history of the sport like Jack Branham, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Jackie Stewart...

“There are some massive names that Max Verstappen now joins that list of very illustrious drivers that form an exclusive club in all of the history of the sport.”