Horner expects difficult Grands Prix: 'Trying to limit the damage'

Verstappen came out of the winter break trailing in the world championship, but grabbed the lead again after victories in Belgium and the Netherlands. However, where Red Bull Racing were the best in the previous two races, Mercedes look to do better in Italy and Russia.

"Their car and power unit has always proved to be very strong at these two circuits", the Red Bull team boss assessed in conversation with Motorsport.com. "For us, they are usually lesser tracks. I expect Mercedes to have the advantage in the next two races. After that it should be close again. At least I hope so."

Red Bull wants to limit the damage

The Austrian racing team therefore seems resigned to a difficult weekend and wants to do everything possible to finish the two Grands Prix as well as possible. "For us, the next two weeks are mainly about trying to limit the damage and get as much out of the car as possible," he said.