Horner has mixed emotions: "A shame we've not got Perez up there"

Christian Horner has mixed emotions after the first-ever sprint qualifying race in Formula 1. The Red Bull Racing boss saw Max Verstappen secure pole position and score three World Championship points, whilst Sergio Perez made a mistake and had to retire. 

The Red Bull boss focuses on the positives in his interview with Sky Sports. Red Bull will start the British Grand Prix on pole for the first time since Mark Webber in 2011. 

"Positive start, we've got our first pole in ten years [at Silverstone]. Achieving it in a different way, obviously in that sprint race. Max managed the race incredibly well, the start was crucial for us. it's a shame we've not got Checo up there as well," Horner said. 

Verstappen's start

Verstappen started the sprint race from second, but by the first corner the Dutchman managed to overtake Hamilton. Horner dishes out the praise for this quick start. 

"[Brakes] were on fire! A great launch, we knew that Mercedes in particular were strong in the first sector. So staying ahead down the first main straight was incredibly important to us. You can see there is very little between the cars in terms of tyre management. We were slightly better off than Lewis, we're quicker in the corners they're quicker down the straights. They are mighty in a straight line," Horner added. 

Perez will start from the back after a spin. He will be unable to support Verstappen in the strategic battle with Mercedes. "He's lost the rear of the car. no major issue, but it put a huge flat spot. Thankfully we didn't hit anything but the level of vibrations were so high. that's why we retired the cars to enable us to check it over fully for tomorrow," he concluded.