Horner clear on new pit stop rule: 'That's what's happening here'

Red Bull Racing showed during the first free practice that they are the big favourite to win the Styrian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen set the fastest time in the morning session, four tenths of a second quicker than his rival Lewis Hamilton.

The Austrian team seems to be sending out a clear signal to Mercedes, who are hoping to close the gap on Red Bull this race weekend. Despite this, Christian Horner believes the rival will still improve. "We started well in FP1, but Mercedes is just sitting there," he said in a press conference according to Formule1.nl.

Horner also discussed the new pitstop rules. Helmut Marko argues that Mercedes are trying to thwart Red Bull. "What they want to achieve with the new rules, I actually don't know. It's complex. But if the rest can't beat you, they often try to slow you down on the other hand and that's what's happening here."

Red Bull in constructors' championship

Horner's team is currently 37 points ahead in the constructors' championship. Whilst Red Bull have scored 215 points, Mercedes are currently sitting on 178 points. McLaren are now in third place after jumping Ferrari last weekend.