Horner feared Verstappen error in daring Mexico divebomb

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner feared Mexico City Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen had made a crucial mistake within seconds of the start.

From third on the grid following a disappointing qualifying, Verstappen wasted no time in passing Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton with a breathtaking move on the run down to and around the outside of turn one.

Verstappen pulled off the manoeuvre by being late on the brakes, although at one stage Horner feared the Dutchman would miss the corner.

“He found himself a bit of space, I was surprised they [Bottas and Hamilton] gave him the room, but I have to say Valtteri was very fair," Horner told Sky Sports F1.

“And then I thought Max had missed his braking because he was so late on the brakes at turn one, but he made it stick and from there really controlled the race.

“It was a very straightforward race for him.”

Explaining the move, which also saw contact between multiple drivers including Bottas, Horner added: “They’ve covered the inside.

"But then obviously there was a knock with the McLaren - I think it was Daniel [Ricciardo] tipped Valtteri and then Checo [Sergio Perez] had to cut the grass.

“Max timed it perfectly. He got the tow, he made it work and then was able to control the race beautifully.

“On the reconnaissance lap he went out and braked right there, so he had almost rehearsed it in his mind I think, what he was going to do.

“It has been a massive day. A fantastic drive by Max. The most important part was the start and he nailed that."

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