Horner believes in his drivers: 'Then an overtake is on'

Charles Leclerc beat Red Bull Racing during qualifying at the Paul Ricard circuit, but Christian Horner believes in his team's chances on Sunday. The hot weather, strategy and wind will all play a part in the race.

"It’s two versus one, which is always a beneficial strategic dynamic and strategy can play a decisive role around this track. The deciding factor will be how the front tyres survive tomorrow, through some of these long turns, like 11 and 12," Horner begins in Red Bull Racing's press release.

In 2021, Max Verstappen won the race by making an extra pit stop. This allowed the Dutchman to overtake Lewis Hamilton for the win in the closing stages of the race. This year strategy will again play a major role in the result.

Horner: 'It will be a fascinating battle'

Ferrari clearly had the advantage in qualifying, but the Red Bull team boss expects Verstappen and Sergio Perez to be strong in Sunday's race. The Dutchman has been able to overtake Leclerc at the start many times this season, so who knows he might be able to do the same again in France.

"We did some good work overnight on the sim and the factory worked very hard overnight, burning the midnight oil, to bring us improvements today. Ultimately, we have the second and third drivers on the grid and I believe we can do something from there in the race. It is going to be hot and a little windy tomorrow so it will be a fascinating battle out there. If it plays out and we are close to Charles with that overspeed then an overtake is on."