Horner informs that Red Bull were using reserve pit crew for the Japanese Grand Prix

Christian Horner has stated that Red Bull were working with a reserve pit crew for the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

The Austrian team were down two of their usual staff that conduct their pit stop for the 2025 Formula 1 season, meaning that they were forced to use their reserve pit crew throughout the weekend at Suzuka.

As a result, Max Verstappen's race win was put in a little bit of jeopardy, with a slow stop almost resulting in him being behind Lando Norris after the first round of pit stops. However, with a little squeeze coming out of the pit lane, the Dutchman stayed ahead, holding on for a superb victory.

Read also

Verstappen doesn't surprise Norris: 'Don't need people to tell me how good he is'

Verstappen comments on close-call with Norris: 'He made sure the grass was nicely cut!'

Horner debriefs the pit crew situation

Speaking to F1TV after the race, Horner had his say on the strategy Red Bull Racing used to keep Verstappen ahead, as well as his reserve pit crew.

"After they [McLaren] pitted Oscar [Piastri] first, it was clear that they were going to pit Lando the following lap. so we pitted to cover.

"But this weekend, the two number one mechanics, who are twins, on the car, unfortunately, their dad has not been well, so they've gone back to the UK. So, we got the reserve guys on the pit stop, and we had a slightly slower stop than would have been ideal," continued Horner.

There was also an issue with adjusting the front wing during Verstappen's stop, but the Dutchman continued on to bring home 25 points for his team with his first race win in 2025.

"Thankfully, Norris's stop wasn't stellar either," said a relieved Horner.

"But the stop allowed Lando to get close. But he was never alongside, so I think the stewards made the right decision in that," concluded Horner, giving his thoughts on the incident out of the pit lane.