Red Bull Racing F1 team principal
Christian Horner reflected in the 2023
Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint Race performances of
Max Verstappen and
Sergio Perez.
Red Bull drivers
had a decent Sprint Shootout session. Even though
Lando Norris secured the pole for McLaren, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez took the second and the third positions for the sprint race start.
The Flying Dutchman got the best out of his starting position when he had better traction compared to Norris going into the first corner and made an easy overtake by going down the inside.
On the other hand, his Mexican teammate lost two positions to the
Mercedes drivers
George Russell and
Lewis Hamilton in a matter of the first four turns.
While it made his race a bit tougher, Chaco managed to claim his two lost positions back to finish in P3, and
Verstappen brought the first place home, never allowing Norris to get into the DRS. Christian Horner told Viaplay.
"I'd say it was a very well-executed race. He managed the tires very well and had a good pace. For Checo, it was a great recovery and good pace from him so important points for him today."
Coming
out of the failed home race weekend where he had to retire after the first lap, Perez needed some good and clean performance to bounce back. His team principal said:
"He showed the kind of form that we expect from him and what he's capable of so it was a good performance."
Horner added he thinks the Sprint Race was a great reflection of what we can expect during the race on Sunday. However, it will be more challenging for Perez, who will have to do some overtaking starting from P9 on the grid.
"I think you've got a good example of race pace in that sprint race, so I’m positive for tomorrow, but there’s a lot of racing still to do."