Horner: "Our drivers on the attack tomorrow, which will make turn 1 interesting"

Max Verstappen qualified in P5, behind the McLaren and Racing Point of Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez respectively. Alexander Albon didn't get further than P9. The Red Bull Racing team boss hopes for a better Sunday in Italy.

“It was a pretty average qualifying for us and Mercedes are a long way ahead but a tenth or two thereafter makes a huge difference and we didn’t have the cleanest of runs, especially with Alex losing a few lap times," says Horner afterwards, who is trying to get the best out of Saturday. He is also combative for Sunday.

Horner realistic and competitive

"The car has not been particularly happy here and fifth for Max is a bit frustrating as it was so close to third but we didn’t expect to be fighting for pole. We have a bit to look at tonight but we know both of our drivers are good racers and they will be on the attack tomorrow which should make Turn 1 interesting.

"A track like this hasn’t been our strongest venue and so we’ll work on understanding and improving the areas we’re lacking in so that we can get the most possible out of tomorrow’s race.”