Horner sounds the Red alert for Lewis
CHRISTIAN HORNER has warned Lewis Hamilton his Red Bull team will continue to attack every remaining race this year.
Red Bull have already won both F1 titles but are determined to continue their record-breaking form, starting with today’s US Grand Prix.
“We see them all as FA Cup finals,” team boss Horner said of the five races left in 2023.
“They’re all one-off big races. We’re going to attack every single race until the end of the year.
“No-one has taken their foot off the throttle.”
It’s a clear message to Hamilton that Red Bull won’t make it easy for him to finally end his win drought stretching back nearly two years.
But the Brit does have a better starting position on the grid after going third quickest in qualifying.
Charles Leclerc put his Ferrari on pole – taking advantage of a rare Max Verstappen mistake.
The Dutchman briefly topped the timesheets, but was soon brought crashing down to earth.
In his desperation to make up for an error early in the lap, he pushed too hard and went off the track, and his best time was deleted.
So Verstappen starts sixth with George Russell one place ahead and
Carlos Sainz also between the champion and Hamilton.
“It’s very fine margins when you are pushing to the limit,” said the rueful Red Bull racer.
“Of course, it’s a bit unfortunate – but it makes Sunday a bit more fun.”
Hamilton knows Red Bull will still likely have a race pace advantage despite upgrades to his Mercedes.
But he allowed himself to dream of ending his long winless run in Austin, where he has won five times – but not since 2017.
“I’ll be giving it my best shot and, with this crowd, I think anything is possible,” said the seven-time champ.
Also in contention is Lando Norris, who defied his own glum predictions about Mclaren’s chances to qualify second.
Norris has never won an F1 race but knows he is well-placed at his 100th Grand Prix.
“We’re almost in the best position you can have for Sunday,” he said.