Red Bull Racing team principal, Christian Horner, is keen to point out that both Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo came close to out-qualifying Lewis Hamilton around the Hungaroring, on Saturday, as his drivers locked out the third row of the grid.
Red Bull had been expected to perform well around the tight and twisty Hungaroring given the strength of the RB13’s chassis. Indeed, Ricciardo topped the time sheets in both of Friday’s Free Practice sessions, but with Scuderia Ferrari and the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team‘s ability to turn up the wick in qualifying, Red Bull line up in a familiar fifth and sixth.
Horner believes that a good start from his drivers could see them break into the Ferrari/Mercedes battle, with a podium finish a possibility.
“Qualifying fifth and sixth today seem to be our de facto grid position for this season,” says Horner, ” however both drivers got very close to out-qualifying Lewis on the final run.
“The third row of the grid offers some opportunity tomorrow, and it’s going to be very interesting strategic race.
“The Hungaroring has one of the longest runs down to Turn 1 of the season which almost guarantees plenty of action so it should be a fascinating grand prix.”
