Dominant constructors’ title ‘beyond our wildest dreams’ - Horner

Red Bull’s sixth constructors’ championship coming in such dominant fashion with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix is something the team couldn’t even dream of, according to team principal Christian Horner.

Max Verstappen led from pole position to take Red Bull’s 15th win in 16 races and secure back-to-back constructors’ titles with six rounds still to run. It’s the earliest a championship has ever been won, and Horner says the way Red Bull has kept up its form from late last year is unexpected.

“Coming into the season I don’t think we could have dreamed of having a season like this,” Horner said. “It’s unbelievable.

“Last year was a very strong year for us, but to have kept that momentum rolling with the challenges we have had is testimony to all the men and women of the team that have worked tirelessly to produce a car as competitive as we have had, and that Max has made such good use of.”

Although only the constructors’ title was mathematically sealed at Suzuka, Verstappen also moved within touching distance of the drivers’ title and Horner says there is no better driver on the grid at present.

“Max is absolutely at the top of the game -- he is the best driver in F1 at this point in time,” he said. “Everything has to come together car, driver, team in total harmony. He has this inner hunger and determination and huge ability, but he channels it and he does not get distracted by some of the trappings of F1. He is an out and out racer.”

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For his part, Verstappen says it’s the best team season he’s been involved in at Red Bull, having won the double last year too.

“It’s better, for sure,” Verstappen said. “The car has been more dominant this year, apart from Singapore. But all the other races we’ve had a really, really good car. It’s just an incredible season for everyone involved within the team.

“[I'm] very proud to be working with all these amazing people here at the track, but also especially back at the factory as well. These people you might not see at the track, they’re doing a lot of hard work to make sure that our car is always in the best shape, gets developed throughout the year, and be best prepared for the year after.”