Horner: Qualifying frustrating but positive for Red Bull

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix was frustrating but also positive for the team.

Max Verstappen was caught out at the end of the session as Sebastian Vettel and both Renault drivers overtook him as the drivers fought for clear track position, denying him a final run.

Although the Dutchman's session was a cause of frustration, Pierre Gasly recorded his best qualifying result since moving to Red Bull and was a highlight for Horner.

“Qualifying was frustrating for the Team in one respect and positive in another," Horner explained.

"It’s encouraging to have both cars on the third row, particularly for Pierre who equals his best F1 qualifying position but frustrating that we couldn’t fight for third.”

“With both cars having progressed through to Q3, Max and Pierre set the fourth and sixth fastest times respectively after their first run.

"Max then got himself into a good position between the two Ferraris for the final run but unfortunately as things got backed up at the last hairpin, he was passed by Sebastian.”

“He then tried to make a gap to Seb and was passed by both Renaults. By that time he had lost sufficient time that he missed the cut-off and was first to see the chequered flag”

“Unfortunately, that concertina also hampered Pierre, resulting in both cars missing the final run. The gap to the front runners is significantly smaller than it was in Bahrain and we can have a strong race from here.”