VERSTAPPEN MUST TURN IT UP TO MAX

Horner sets star a challenge

- By Daniel Moxon

MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to start beating at least one McLaren every weekend - or he can kiss goodbye to a fifth straight Formula One title.

The Red Bull racer is bidding to become the second driver in history to achieve that feat, after Michael Schumacher during his Ferrari heyday.

But McLaren have the quicker car and Verstappen trails both championship leader Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Verstappen is the only driver other than the McLaren pair to win a race this year, having tasted victory twice.

But team principal Christian Horner believes his star driver needs to be doing it more regularly to retain his crown - starting with tomorrow's Spanish Grand Prix.