Horner sees the jeopardy: "It's mad to have a sprint race here"

Christian Horner had plenty to say after the first free practice session in Baku. In front of Sky Sports, the Red Bull team boss spoke about the FIA's decision to hold a sprint race in Azerbaijan.

"I said it's completely mad doing a sprint weekend on this circuit, probably one of the most dangerous on the calendar from a team's point of view," the Brit explained his thoughts on the sprint. "The jeopardy and damage that is potentially there, with another street race next weekend..." Horner is referring to the Grand Prix in Miami.

'Perez and Verstappen may race each other'

All in all, it was a positive session for the Austria-based racing team though. Max Verstappen was fastest, two places ahead of teammate Sergio Perez. "We got some data across two compounds of tyres, two variants of fuel loads and it's now about processing that data." Whether the two drivers get to race each other this weekend? "Take as many points as you can in both championships. Such an early stage. The drivers are free to race, so long as they do it cleanly and respect each other and the team because we have a lot riding on this," Horner is clear.

'Mekies is a good replacement'

The Red Bull man also addressed the departure of Frans Tost. The Austrian, currently team boss of AlphaTauri, is leaving his post at the end of the season. "Franz has been a great part of the AlphaTauri and prior to that Torro Rosso team for many years. He has done a huge amount, working with many young drivers and [getting them ready] for when they come to us," said his fellow team boss. "Naturally I was consulted on the replacement, Laurent is a very capable guy. Was at the team previously and speaks the language."