Verstappen Leclerc battle 'could go all the way' - Horner

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc after qualifiying in Miami — Photo: © LAT Images

Red Bull

Verstappen Leclerc battle 'could go all the way' - Horner

Verstappen and Leclerc have shared all five grands prix victories so far this season

Sam Hall

Monday 16 May 2022 08:00 Updated: 16:21

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes the championship battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc could 'go all the way' to Abu Dhabi.

The two drivers have so far shared all five grands prix victories between them this year with Ferrari driver Leclerc ahead by virtue of Verstappen's two retirements in Bahrain and Australia.

Those races are the Monégasque's only wins so far with the reigning champion victorious in each race that he has finished.

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Asked if Verstappen was now the favourite for the title after his Miami success, Horner said: "No.

"Look, there is a long, long way to go and it is so tight with Ferrari. There has been some great racing.

"You can see there is a great respect between Charles and Max, they are enjoying racing each other, you can see that."

Last year, Horner and Verstappen were involved in a tense duel with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes but came out on top following a late safety car intervention in the season finale and a controversial last-lap shoot out.

Horner added: "I was rather hoping we weren't set for another competitive year like last year but it looks like this one could well go all the way as well."

Red Bull prepared for "different" Barcelona challenge

Red Bull appeared to be able to manage its tyres better than Ferrari in Miami despite falling short on single-lap pace.

With the Spanish Grand Prix next on the calendar, Red Bull is taking nothing for granted given the Barcelona venue hosted the first pre-season test earlier this year.

Asked what his team's impressive tyre management could mean going forward, Horner explained: "It has been nip-and-tuck and Barcelona is a different challenge, high-speed corners.

"We know Ferrari is strong in that area. It is horses for courses and [Miami] suited us. We were able to make it work and thankfully got the result."