Horner after Spanish Grand Prix: 'Mercedes was quicker'

Published on 09 May 2021 by Julien Lemmen

Red Bull Racing can look back on the Spanish Grand Prix with mixed feeling. The team scored good points with a second place finish for Max Verstappen and a fifth place finish for teammate Sergio Perez, but, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won the race on pure pace.

Team principal Christian Horner reflects after the race: “It was a great start by Max and he was fully committed into Turn 1 and grabbed the opportunity to take the lead – it was full Max Verstappen spec. He positioned the car fantastically well, hit the brakes later and ran the car wide to take the race lead. Unfortunately we had a slow pit stop after a miscommunication meant Max pitted a lap earlier than we expected but fortunately quick thinking and fast reactions from the pit wall and the pit crew meant we lost minimal time and recovered incredibly well. We couldn’t have done anything differently today, Lewis and Mercedes were quicker than us and able to follow Max so closely without hurting their tyres. We were able to hold track position but when the field opens up to the degree it did behind, Lewis gains a free pit stop which leaves you in the horrible position as race leader trying to brave it out to the end instead of sacrificing track position. Once Lewis caught up and got past, all we could do with Max was go for the Fastest Lap which he achieved.”

“Sergio did a good job to recover to fifth after qualifying eighth yesterday, making a bold move on Daniel around the outside of Turn 1, and banking solid points for the team. It’s full focus on Monaco now and continuing work back at the factory to find more performance and catch up to Mercedes.”