Perez handed major boost as Red Bull boss praises 'new approach'

Christian Horner believes Red Bull’s qualifying performance was ‘lucky’ despite securing a front row lock out.

Red Bull claimed their 100th pole position and a sprint race victory with Max Verstappen this weekend.

READ MORE: F1 star apologises after controversial moment at Chinese GP

After a wet sprint qualifying, Verstappen had to earn his race victory by overtaking champions Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.

However, qualifying for the Grand Prix was more straightforward, claiming pole position by 0.322 seconds from his teammate.

Horner reflects on 'lucky' Chinese GP

A strong weekend could not have come at a better time for the Mexican, with driver market speculation at an all time high.

In a recent interview, Helmut Marko revealed that Red Bull had approached out of contract Carlos Sainz over seat talks.

However, Christian Horner seems satisfied with Perez's performance, after speaking to Sky Sports F1 post-qualifying.

"It's been a really good Saturday for us. Getting that Sprint race victory this morning and then the pole position with Checo on the front row as well,” Horner said.

"In Q1, the track was evolving quickly and we got a bit lucky to make sure we were in the cut [with Perez].

"Checo is doing a great job. He's come into this season in a new frame of mind.

"He's relaxed, he's driving well and his confidence is growing. He's not focusing on his team-mate and it's a different approach."

READ MORE: Surprise qualifying star admits lap could have been even BETTER - Top three verdict

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