Red Bull F1 championship lead "beyond expectations" - Christian Horner

Horner, Red Bull, Monaco — Photo: © LAT Images

Monaco Grand Prix

Red Bull F1 championship lead "beyond expectations" - Horner

Red Bull leads the F1 standings for the first time since 2013

Ewan Gale

Friday 28 May 2021 08:04

Christian Horner has remained cautious of Red Bull's F1 title chances after revealing the team taking control of both championships surpassed expectations for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen demonstrated just why he is Lewis Hamilton's closest challenger for the drivers' crown with a commanding display to claim his maiden victory around the Principality whilst his rival languished in seventh.

With Sergio Perez finishing fourth and Valtteri Bottas retiring, Red Bull has taken the constructors' championship lead for the first time since winning in 2013 - by a point -whilst Verstappen leads a series for the first time in his career, opening up a four-point cushion to Hamilton.

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"There is still a long, long way to go but when [Mercedes] have had an off day it is important for us to bank a lot of points," said Horner after the Dutchman's victory.

"For us to do that and come out leading both championships is beyond expectations, certainly coming into the weekend.

"It shows how close things are and things can move around very quickly. We have just got to keep in striking distance until the back end of the championship and that is where the pressure really comes.

"At the moment, when you are running through the races it is important to be reliable and consistent and not lose too much ground."

Perez close to clicking with Red Bull

Perez has shown glimpses of his true form since his switch to Red Bull over the winter, with solid displays in Bahrain and Monaco demonstrating his ability to move through the pack.

But despite qualifying second in Imola, Perez's lack of points compared to team-mate Verstappen has largely come down to his qualifying performance although Horner is adamant the Mexican is on the right track.

"He is finding Saturdays harder than Sundays," he added. "His race pace has generally been very very strong.

"I think Saturdays are still, we need to work with him to help him get comfortable but that will come.

"You can see the majority of drivers - with the exception of Carlos [Sainz] - who have changed teams this year, it has taken them a while to get up to speed.

"The tyres are more tricky as well this year which throws in another dynamic but he is getting there. A performance like [Sunday] only helps that."