Horner understands Mercedes' strategic choice: "Perfectly understandable"

Christian Horner can start the race weekend in Brazil relatively carefree. Lewis Hamilton may have finished the first practice session as the fastest, but he will have to start from the back of the grid on Sunday. Red Bull Racing also seem to have the best pace by far.

Asked about the grid penalty for Lewis Hamilton and to what extent that changes Red Bull's approach, Horner replied in the negative. "It doesn't change anything for us, we continue to focus on having the best possible weekend for ourselves", he said on Sky Sports.

"Strategically, it makes perfect sense for Mercedes to take the penalty here, with sprint qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday," continued the Briton.

Sergio Perez seems to be in excellent form again, but for Red Bull this doesn't change the approach the team is taking. "The focus remains the same. He was close to pole a few weeks ago, he was quick all weekend in Mexico and he is finding more and more confidence," Horner said.