Horner expects more: "Mercedes have still got a bit in the pocket"

Christian Horner is satisfied with Friday in Mexico. Red Bull Racing was the fastest team on track during VT2 with Max Verstappen. The team boss talks about the practice sessions and the difference with Mercedes. He expects that the German team has more to offer.

"It was a solid session for us, I think. Both drivers have started to find a set-up that they are liking. The short and long runs look reasonable. I think Mercedes have still got a bit in the pocket. So, I don't think we've seen their full potential," Horner told the Sky Sports camera.

Indeed, during FP1 Mercedes were still the fastest team, although Horner thinks they were driving with a higher engine setting. "Focussing on ourselves it was a reasonable day. During the session basically, [we analyse] back in Milton Keynes, and you can see from the GPS overlays when they turn up the engines and when they turn it down. They do it to us as well."

Horner expects a close battle

Honda's engine seems to be working well in the thin air in Mexico. "The engine is working well in this altitude and running wings that are Monaco downforce levels. We have seen all through the year it will be tenths between the teams," Horner said.