Horner not afraid of grid penalty: "Have looked at it really well"

Christian Horner did not see Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez grab pole position during qualifying in Australia, but according to the Red Bull Racing team boss, nothing is lost. He is even happy with the second and third starting positions for his drivers at Albert Park. It is one of Red Bull's better performances ever at Albert Park, as in recent years the Milton Keynes-based racing team has always struggled there.

"I'm still pretty happy with that. It is so close, both of them at different times looked like they could nick pole," Horner tells Sky Sports. He also cites Verstappen's first run. The Dutchman was incredibly fast and certainly looked like he could be several tenths faster than his eventual fastest time. "That lock-up by Max probably cost him three tenths and that would have put him close to Charles' time."

That Perez was only a tenth slower than Verstappen is satisfying to Red Bull's top man. "Checo also had an extra tenth of fuel with him because he wanted to do three laps. So I'm happy with that. It was a great lap by Charles, but we are still on the front row and third," Horner is confident.

Grid penalty or not Perez?

Perez will still have to answer to the stewards afterwards. The Mexican could possibly receive a grid penalty. Horner, however, is not so afraid of it. "We have looked at it really well. In the data we can see a lift. It cost Checo three to four tenths, " he concludes.