Horner reveals how Red Bull got 'lucky' despite strong China showing

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 today, after a chaotic sprint qualifying.

READ MORE: FIA confirm penalty verdict after official PROTEST

READ MORE: Horner Red Bull saga given fresh update ahead of Chinese Grand Prix

Verstappen had to fight for a sprint victory by overtaking champions Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, but once he did he built an astonishing 13 second gap.

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

Horner reflects on 'lucky' Chinese GP

Not only did Red Bull team boss Christian Horner praise Verstappen, but also Sergio Perez for helping the team achieve a front row lock out.

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.

READ MORE: Hamilton reveals MIXED feelings from Mercedes employees over Ferrari move

"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: FIA stewards ROB Hamilton pole after bizarre U-turn

Related

Red Bull

Horner drops Red Bull exit BOMBSHELL

• Yesterday 17:57

Red Bull

Red Bull star issued UNDESERVING claim as Perez replacement verdict given

• Yesterday 12:33