Formula One’s longest ever season came to a close last week in Abu Dhabi, in a rather controversial way, and crowned Max Verstappen as 2021 Drivers’ World Champion, his first world title and the first for Red Bull since their successes with Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

Speaking at the FIA Champions Press Conference, on the Thursday after the title deciding race, the Red Bull team principal reflected on the season and the performances of his star driver, Max Verstappen, that ultimately earned them the title glory.

“It's been an incredible year. When you look back at the season as a whole - 22 races, I think the biggest season Formula One has ever had - from the first race in Bahrain, it's been so competitive.

“There's been, on average, probably 0.1-0.2s between (Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen) throughout the season.”

A particular point of praise from the boss at Red Bull was Verstappen’s ability to deal with difficult and adverse situations, stating that the Dutchman “kept driving the team forward” in those circumstances:

“What really stood out for me is, in moments or adversity, where he just kept his head down, he kept believing, he's kept pushing, he's kept driving the team forward. We've known, every time he's got in the car, he's given it 110%. That lifts everybody around him.

“Particularly in the second half of the year, when we didn't have the fastest package, he kept us in this championship - he kept fighting, he kept believing.

“It's just been the most unbelievable year. We're incredibly proud of everything that he's done this year, totally deserving of this world championship.”

11 wins ☝️ 23 podiums 🏆 Admiring our 2021 collection 👏 pic.twitter.com/DxsQTXV5G6

— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) December 16, 2021

Asked if Verstappen was on another level in 2021, driving-wise, compared to the previous years, Horner was not so sure, stating the main contributing factor for their incredible season was the better founded RB16B car, and how Verstappen made good use of it:

“I think we've just given him a better car, and he made great use of it. He finished every race either first or second - bar one, where he had half of his car missing, in Budapest. The statistics talk by themselves, the amount of laps that he's led, the pole positions, the race victories. He's been outstanding. So few mistakes, under massive pressure.

“I think you forget the amount of pressure that there's been building and building through this championship. And the way, as a young man, that he's dealt and coped with that, is inspirational.”

When asked about the future of Verstappen within the team, Horner was adamant he wants to race with the Dutchman for many years to come, highlighting how Max has “grown with the team” since joining them in 2016:

“Well, he said 15 years. I have the paperwork with me tonight, and those should be very straightforward (laughs).

“Relationships are not about contract, it is exactly about relationships, and Max – he came into the team almost as a boy, and he’s grown into a young man, he’s grown with the team.  The relationship that we share, the trust that we share in each other, is worth more than any piece of paper. I look forward to racing with Max for many years to come, and I think the best years are very much still to come.“