Horner predicts exciting race: 'We made the same tyre choice as Ferrari'

Red Bull Racing lost out to Ferrari in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, but made the conscious decision to base its set-up on race distance rather than single lap pace. Christian Horner hopes that choice will pay off in the race.

Horner knew Ferrari would be strong in qualifying and admitted Red Bull Racing compromised somewhat in qualifying to provide Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez with a better race car on Sunday. Both drivers have positions to gain during the race, although Perez will have to come from further away than his teammate. The FIA revealed after lengthy deliberations that Verstappen will start from P7, while Perez will have to come back from P13.

Red Bull chose to take the grid penalties on the advice of engine partner Honda. "We’ve strategically taken the penalties at the best race we can considering where we are in the season," Horner explained in a Red Bull Racing press release. "We didn't want to do it in Singapore or Japan given the difficulty in overtaking."

Horner also points out that overtaking is likely to be harder than at Spa, but it is still quite possible. "We have a strong race car, so hopefully we can make some good progress tomorrow. A mixed up grid could mean a very exciting race tomorrow, we’ve taken two sets of new softs – so have Ferrari and it will be fascinating to see how that plays out," concluded the Red Bull team boss.