Horner: Verstappen has mental strength like all the super drivers

Red Bull F1 team chief Christian Horner admits he was impressed how teenager Max Verstappen weathered the storm of criticism in the aftermath of his controversial tactics during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Despite being in the media spotlight a week later in the Monza paddock, Verstappen was unaffected by the fuss caused by his actions at Spa and subsequent war of words between him and Ferrari duo Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

Horner told media, "I haven't seen any effect on him at all, obviously he takes it all on board, he's a young guy that's going through different experiences and growing and learning."

"Like any 18-year-old it's water off a ducks back, he's focused on his racing, he is who he is and he's just getting on with it and he's not changing just because someone says he should."

Horner is adamant that the Dutch prodigy's biggest asset is his mental strength and belief in himself that puts him in the league with the greats of Formula 1.

"I think his mental strength is there with all the super drivers... They all have that strength," explained Horner.