Horner surprised at disappointing Mercedes: "Bottas was particularly strong here"

The first day of the race weekend in Azerbaijan looked good for Red Bull Racing. The team from Austria was fastest in both practice sessions on Friday, and drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez also looked strong in the long runs.

Verstappen had to concede a tenth to his teammate in the second free practice session, and seemed more satisfied with the car during the first practice session. "We tried different things in terms of the setup, and Max felt a bit better in the car during the morning session," explained team principal Christian Horner at Motorsport.com. "So there is still plenty to look at and improve for tomorrow."

Unlike Red Bull Racing, Mercedes did not have a very good Friday, something Horner says he did not see coming. "I am surprised though that they are not in a better position. In the past this has always been a good circuit for Mercedes, at least for Valtteri Bottas," 47-year-old Brit continued.

He doesn't go so far as to single out Hamilton and Mercedes, as the long runs of Hamilton in particular didn't look out of place. However, when he hears the seven-time world champion indicate he can't go any faster with his car, a grin appears on his face. "Let's just hope he's right this time then," Horner said.