Horner has confidence in the race: 'Different strategy and chance of bad weather!

The black arrows of Mercedes are supreme this season when it comes to qualifying. However, the Red Bull Racing team are getting a closer and closer. At the Portimao circuit, it looked like Max Verstappen could split the two Mercedes. A great lap by Lewis Hamilton ruined those hopes.

Still, Christian Horner is happy with the result. "I think we can be pleased with third and sixth with Max and Alex today in what turned out to be an unusual qualifying session with regards to track conditions. Heading into qualifying there were many unknowns at this new circuit in terms of tyre performance and track evolution but both drivers showed good pace throughout and Max was unlucky to just miss out on splitting the Mercedes, who opted to qualify on the medium tyre," the team boss explained in Red Bull Racing's team review.

Finally a rain race in 2020?

Alexander Albon also seemed to be doing well and on track for fourth place, but Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez managed to get ahead of the British Thai in the final minutes. Still, Horner is satisfied with his driver. "Alex also progressed well throughout each session and with alternating tyre strategy between runs in Q3 he did well to respond and adapt to the changing conditions to secure sixth on the grid."

"I think tomorrow's race will be very interesting with the possibility of inclement weather and difference in tyre strategies from those around us but I'm confident both drivers can progress well and produce a good result for the Team," concluded the team boss.