F1 News
Horner happy with Verstappen and Perez: 'Set of tyres back to Pirelli!'
- Estéban den Toom
A satisfied Christian Horner appeared in front of the press after qualifying in Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps. Max Verstappen finished qualifying for the race in P1, but will have to start the race from P11 as he has replaced his engine. Sergio Perez was also well off on Saturday, finishing in P3, which means a P2 starting spot.
"It was a great session. Both drivers did a super job. At Max, we could have given a set of tyres back to Pirelli. He was on it all the way through session. He used less tyres to get to Q3. Both times were good enough for pole," Red Bull's team boss said after qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix at Viaplay.
Perez also gets compliments
Perez, who has been widely criticised for his performance in recent weeks, is receiving compliments from Horner. "Big Congratulations to Checo today. He had scrub tyres in Q3. His middle sector on the scrub tyre was two tenths off Verstappen. To miss out by only five hundredths and a front row start is a great effort," Horner said.
"I would love it to be wet tomorrow, but it will be a nice dry day. It's so much closer. We optimised today. That was the most important thing. Take the 10 places (penalty), start at P11. The McLarens are not on the front row of the grid, they will be fast in the race tomorrow. We have Checo on the front row. Let's see what we can do," said the Red Bull boss.