Horner sees competition from Verstappen increasing: 'That's inevitable'

Even after the first day in Monaco, it has become clear that the competition for Red Bull has grown nicely in recent weeks. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez both played supporting roles in free practice sessions one and two. Christian Horner also saw the competition approaching and expects an exciting qualifying session on Saturday.

"I think we've taken a lot of lessons out of Imola. Monaco's completely different challenge, you can see," Horner said on Friday in Monaco. "I think the Ferraris will be quick, McLarens will be quick. Mercedes looked quick in that first session as well. So it's going to be a very competitive qualifying, I think, tomorrow afternoon."

"We are in year three of these regulations, and it's inevitable you're going to get convergence (teams getting closer together, ed.). It's amazing that we've managed to stay ahead for so long, but as the cars converge in look and shape, and therefore lap time, it's inevitable that there's going to be strong competition," Horner explained.

Horner thinks Verstappen is going to face some stiff opposition from the McLarens and Ferraris. "So we fully expect that here in Monaco, it's a unique layout on the calendar. And of course, it's all down to that one lap tomorrow afternoon," Horner said, referring to qualifying, which is always much more decisive in Monaco.