Horner analyses first free practice: 'Sector two a Mercedes sector'

The 48-year-old Brit speaks of an epic year that has seen nine months of intense competition. 'And now we are level going into this final race. Who would have thought it?" Horner spoke to all employees yesterday and told how proud Red Bull is of its staff as a team. "To have pushed as they have, to attack as we have, we have one final hurdle. Whatever happens in this final race, we've given it everything let's see how we go."

However, there is still one hurdle to overcome: winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Max Verstappen. For that, however, the Mercedes with a powerful engine will have to be beaten. The Austrians acknowledge that this is quite a challenge. Nevertheless, the lay-out of the Yas Marina Circuit also offers points of departure for the RB16B. "Sector 2 will be a Mercedes sector and sector 3 might be a Red Bull sector and sector 1 may be neutral."

Finally, Horner states that he has no reason to believe that the battle between Verstappen and Hamilton is not going to be as close this weekend as it has been for the rest of the season. The Red Bull team boss suspects that thousandths of a second could make the difference in whether or not he captures the 2021 world title.