Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner believes his team will be able to “win anywhere” in 2021 if it triumphs over rivals Mercedes in France on Sunday.
The energy drink-backed team claimed its second pole position of the season on Saturday at the Circuit Paul Ricard, courtesy of Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman beat championship rival Lewis Hamilton to the top spot by just under three-tenths of a second.
Speaking to Sky F1 after qualifying, Horner asserts Red Bull’s prospects for the remainder of the season will be strong should it prevail over Mercedes at the French Grand Prix.
“Let’s see how tomorrow goes but this circuit has been such a stronghold for Mercedes over recent years,” Horner said.
“If we can beat them here then we can beat them anywhere. There’s a lot at stake obviously but the whole team is working incredibly well, working long hours.
“It’s difficult this year because you’ve got the current car, you’ve got next year’s car, you’ve got the cost cap and everything else going on but as a unit to see the whole team coming together as it is and putting this pressure on Mercedes, is phenomenal.”
Red Bull’s second car, driven by Sergio Perez, will line-up in fourth place alongside the other Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas.
With the Mexican set to be in the mix at the front from the get-go, Horner says it will give Red Bull the strategic edge it has lacked in recent years.
“I think the great thing for us this weekend is that we have Checo up there as well,” Horner said.
“You saw what a job he did in Baku two weeks ago and having two cars in play gives you different strategic options. We are in good shape for tomorrow’s race.
“It’s important we get good starts, execute good pit stops, good strategy. We’ve got to do all the basics well. It’s phenomenal for the team to have both cars up there.”
