Is Horner taking a jab at McLaren? 'We're very clear in that strategy'

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said, “I think our rules of engagement are very clear. You know Max is the lead driver.”

Verstappen has received a new teammate for the sixth time in his career with Red Bull Racing. Yuki Tsunoda has stepped up into the new team. Horner commented on what is expected of Tsunoda. “Yuki's job is to support him as best as he can to regain that driver's championship. The performance that he's just put in that last session is exactly where we want him to be. To be up there able to support Max.”

In the past, the second Red Bull driver has historically struggled with being second to Max, not being able to keep up with him or both.

Horner continued, “Our advantage is that we're very clear in that strategy. McLaren has got two drivers fighting for a championship, and they'll be taking points theoretically off each other."

Last season, McLaren sparked outrage among the fans as they called 'papaya rules'. Which leaves its drivers to fight against each other as long as they keep it clean. Many fans believe that McLaren's refusal to back Norris as their number one driver is what caused him to lose the driver's championship.

Horner concluded, "Ferrari is the same so in a very tight battle sometimes you've got to back your horse.”

Tsunoda is well aware that he is the second driver. All he has been instructed to do is to stay as close to Verstappen as possible. Tsunoda ended the first practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix less than three-tenths off Verstappen.