Horner: 'Key man we need to beat is Hamilton'

"This is a difficult track to overtake, so the first part of the job is done," Horner told Sky Sports, who saw Sergio Pérez drive a disappointing qualifying session. "We sent him out with enough time but they all went backward in the pitlane and he lost a lot on the track. We have to fight back with Perez tomorrow. I think Max was excellent in the first sector in Turn 2 and 3. Sergio's confidence was not there."

It doesn't mean, however, that the Red Bull Racing team boss is no longer confident for Sunday. He expects both Pérez and Verstappen to perform. "We just have to put our heads down and concentrate on our race. The main guy we have to beat is Lewis."

Hamilton vs Verstappen

Verstappen is currently three points behind Hamilton in the world championship. It is therefore possible that the Dutchman will grab the lead again on Sunday afternoon.