FIA tests already effective? Mercedes as fast as Red Bull on the straight

For Red Bull Racing, the qualifying session for the Qatar Grand Prix was a mixed bag. While Max Verstappen managed to finish on the front row of the grid, Sergio Perez couldn't get past eleventh place. This gave him free tyre choice, but Red Bull would have preferred him up front to support Verstappen.

"Lewis has put an amazing lap at the end there. Particularly the last lap," Christian Horner explained to Sky Sports after the qualifying session.

"It was very, very quick. We have Max on the front row. Its a shame to loose Checo... Its disappointing not to have him in Q3 but starting on the front row ahead of Valtteri."

The news around qualifying was that the FIA will be carrying out new tests on the flexibility of the rear wing. Horner is already seeing the consequences of this.

Horner already sees consequences of new FIA tests

"Lewis made all he's time in turn 6 and 7, particularly on that last lap. An amazing sector through those slower corners. From what we have seen its normal straighline speed just a very good lap from Lewis," the Red Bull team boss observed.

For Sunday, Horner believes the start is vital. "I think the problem is going to be that you can't follow each other. It will all be about who takes the lead at the first corner. To follow each other at the current speeds is going to be hugely difficult. It's all going to be about the pitstops.

"Perez could very easily have been third today, but fortunately Max did manage to get the most out of the car. Hopefully we can have a better car tomorrow. The first 500 meters will be hugely important."