After Mercedes once again set the best time in second free practice, Christian Horner fears the worst. Red Bull has enough homework to make sure Max Verstappen still has a chance at the start, even if the long distances seem favorable for the Austrian team’s drivers. “We still have time to get the car ready,” Horner confidently tells Sky Sport.
“They (Mercedes, editor) look very strong here. Especially in the first two sectors. In the third sector we can go back a bit, but the damage is done in the first seconds. We are looking for a faster and faster setup. “
Kansen ad Abu Dhabi “50/50”
However, according to Horner, Verstappen still has enough chance of winning the world title. At the race pace, things are going well for Red Bull. “With the new track layout, tire degradation will also be an important factor. Left turns in particular require a lot of tires. They look a bit 50/50 and it would be nice to see the right strategic option. “
“We have seen that the engine gives Mercedes a lot of performance. But yes, we have to find the lap time in a different way. We obviously do our best and find ways to qualify as high as possible. Then we can start the race well ”.
Perez gets a major role from Horner
“He knows his work this weekend,” Horner said when asked what Perez could do in Abu Dhabi. “The constructors’ championship is out of reach unless there are retirees in Mercedes. His job is to help his teammate, you know, he is in great shape ”. During the second training session, Perez finished directly behind Verstappen on the timesheet. “He will do anything to help Max.”
Beating Lewis Hamilton would be a huge task according to the Red Bull boss, but giving up is not an option. “Lewis is doing well and Mercedes is doing well. We have a chance and we will give everything to Max. How he drove this year, with his heart and his passion. He drove with conviction and courage. We will do it again this weekend! ” If he can do it, it will be the best performance we have achieved in this sport ”.
