Red Bull boss Christian Horner has vowed the side will go on the “attack” as it strives to recover from losing top spot to McLaren at Formula 1‘s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Oscar Piastri’s second F1 win and Lando Norris’ strong 11-place recovery to fourth has seen McLaren displace Red Bull as leaders in the Constructors’ Championship.
The Woking-based squad has been regarded as the benchmark team since Miami and has capitalised on Red Bull’s ongoing struggles to now open up a 20-point lead.
McLaren looks poised to end a title drought dating back to 2008 as Red Bull seems no closer to resolving the balance issues that have unravelled its past dominance.
However, Horner has indicated that Red Bull relinquishing the stranglehold on the standings that it’s held since the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix will alleviate the pressure.
“Look, we’re pushing hard,” Horner stressed. “We’re now not defending, we’re chasing.
“So it changes the dynamic again, and we’re just going to throw everything at it.”
Red Bull’s prospects took a comprehensive hit in Baku as Sergio Perez’s podium prospects ended when he got entangled in a penultimate lap clash with Carlos Sainz.
Perez emerged as the strongest Red Bull driver last weekend as Max Verstappen rued an ill-timed set-up change, leaving the reigning champions with a 10-point haul.
Horner has conceded that Perez’s contentious collision with the Spaniard, which saw both drivers escape without being penalised, proved a seismic blow to its hopes.
Nonetheless, despite advisor Helmut Marko claiming the Constructors’ title was gone, Horner is adamant that Red Bull will not give up on the remaining seven rounds.
“We have taken a big hit in the Constructors’,” he acknowledged “We’ve got 20 points as a deficit now, so we have to attack.
“[We’ve] still got seven races and two Sprint races to go. There are a lot of points up for grabs, and a lot of different circuits coming up. So it’s far from over.”
Horner reveals Red Bull stance on team orders
Meanwhile, Verstappen continues to possess a 60-point advantage over Norris, who has been told that McLaren is prepared to grant him support at Piastri’s expense.
When asked about the Woking-based squad’s change in approach, Horner outlined that Red Bull is also in a position where one driver will be prioritised over the other.
“Every team is different,” added Horner. “Our rules of engagement are very clear, and what the focus to the end of the year is.
“We’ve got a driver that’s fighting for a World Championship. It’s a team sport.
“So it’s very clear that Checo’s job is there to support Max to the end of the year.”
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