Horner: Max the Lion has more talent than Sebastian

Verstappen, with four grand prix wins on his CV, is Red Bull's man for the future but has a long way to go to match Vettel's four world titles and 39 victories for the energy drinks organisation.

When asked by Auto Bild to compare the two drivers who he has managed under his watch, Horner said, "Max has more talent, he is like a lion when he is in the car. He never gives up, never. He has a crazy fighting spirit."

"In fact he reminds Sebastian in some ways. Even the way he gets into the car reminds me of him. He is still a young guy, younger than Seb, when he came to us, but he is becoming an adult driver and man."

For Horner, Vettel's standout trait's were his "ability to deal with high pressure was fantastic, but he also had a team backing him up where he could foucs and maximise his strength."

"Seb has plenty of talent and also understands that he has to work hard to be the best. He always wanted to understand every detail of the car. He studied and analysed his rivals and their weaknesses."

"When Mark [Webber] was at the factory he talked with the mechanics. Sebastian talked with the mechanics, designers AND engineers because he wanted to understand the philosophy behind everything. And that helped him. In 2012 he was a very complete driver."

Can Verstappen emulate Vettel and win world championships for Red Bull?

"There is no guarantee," admitted Horner. "But he has all the skills required to become a multiple champion. The next generation, with drivers like [Charles] Leclerc and Max, will give us a lot of pleasure."

Verstappen and Vettel have tangled on numerous occasions over the years, most recently during the Japanese Grand Prix the pair were in the wars with the Ferrari driver coming off second best after trying an optimistic lunge on the Red Bull at the wrong place and the wrong time.

Some stats to consider: In the 77 races Verstappen has started in Formula 1 he has won on four occasions, during the same point in his career Vettel was on course for his second title and 19 grand prix victories to his name.

This report has evolved:

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/10/19/horner-raw-talent-was-mistaken-for-more-talent/