Red Bull has finally admitted Max Verstappen will be their lead driver heading into the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The Dutchman’s status has been gradually growing inside the team since joining in mid-2016, and his influence was one reason some pointed to for Daniel Ricciardo’s decision to join Renault.
Initially, motorsport advisor Helmut Marko had claimed his replacement Pierre Gasly would enjoy equal treatment with Verstappen, however, team boss Christian Horner now suggests that won’t totally be the case.
“Max is now the experienced one. So the team will be looking towards him more now,” Horner told Formule 1.
“Pierre, of course, has the potential to develop and make life difficult for Max and hopefully they’ll push each other and help to get the best out of each other, just like Max and Daniel did.”
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Following Ricciardo’s departure, which Horner still feels some surprise over, one story that circulated was whether Verstappen had any influence in the decision to promote Gasly over Carlos Sainz, who was widely considered first in line for a promotion.
Though there were denials, Max has now hinted otherwise.
“In the end, it’s not about me saying yes or no. That’s not my decision,” he said to the same Dutch publication.
“But I clearly told them what will work and what will not work. I am not going to mention names, but I am glad that Pierre Gasly is coming.
“He is very fast, but I am afraid of no one. I fear no one.”