Christian Horner highlighted Max Verstappen's qualifying performance in Canada and went easy on Sergio Pérez, betting on the Mexican's recovery in Sunday's race
Max Verstappen set one of the most dominant poles of the year on Saturday (18) in Canada and, consequently, was praised for his performance by Red Bull. Christian Horner, head of the Austrian team, highlighted the Dutchman's strength even with the track in adverse conditions and wants Max to be cerebral on Sunday, escaping confusion, especially at the start.
Horner highlighted how Verstappen was in command all weekend and that, even with the wet track, he didn't allow anyone to get close, controlling the actions.
"It was a very impressive qualifying from Max today: even in adverse conditions, he was on top of things in all three free practice sessions. When the track starts to go dry during the session, it's always an extra challenge, you need to make sure you're going to be on track at the right time, so nice job by the whole team to secure pole," he said.
The Briton also praised Fernando Alonso, who starts second on the grid. But he asked Verstappen to take it easy, because he knows the two-time champion comes thirsty at the start.
"Meanwhile, it was a fantastic qualifying from Alonso, I know he will be motivated tomorrow, but Max needs to focus on the start, make a smooth start and stay in front in the first corner, to keep accelerating hard. We expect a good race on a dry track," he added.
About Pérez, Christian was even lighter. For the team boss, the Mexican driver failed in qualifying, but he has all the conditions to recover in the race.
"It was a shame for Checo, I think he made a mistake when he braked and ended up in the barrier. He couldn't get out of there and then restart the car. But it's a track where you can overtake, we expect good points from him," he said.
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