Horner calls for aggressive approach after McLaren surges ahead

McLaren's surprise victory in Azerbaijan has shaken up the Formula 1 championship, leaving Red Bull trailing in the constructors' standings for the first time in over a year.

Team principal Christian Horner acknowledges the need for a strong response.

The Baku street circuit witnessed a dramatic shift in the 2024 Formula 1 season as McLaren's Oscar Piastri claimed victory, propelling his team to the top of the constructors' championship.

This unexpected turn of events has left Red Bull, the reigning champions, in an unfamiliar position - playing catch-up.

Constructors' Lead slips away

Red Bull's grip on the constructors' title, maintained since the 2022 Miami Grand Prix, has loosened.

The combination of Piastri's win, Lando Norris' impressive climb from 15th to 4th, and Red Bull's struggles resulted in a 20-point deficit for the Milton Keynes-based team.

Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, addressed the situation with a mix of frustration and determination.

"We took a big hit in the constructors' today,"

Horner admitted.

"But we've got 20 points as deficit now, so we've got to attack. Still got seven races to go, two sprint races to go. There's a lot of points up for grabs and a lot of different circuits coming up, so it's far from over."

Verstappen's uncharacteristic weekend

Max Verstappen, the usually dominant force in the Red Bull garage, faced an atypical weekend of challenges.

For the first time since last year's Miami Grand Prix, he was outqualified by teammate Sergio Perez, highlighting the Dutchman's struggle to find harmony with his RB20.

Despite Verstappen's difficulties, Horner attempted to put a positive spin on the championship picture.

"If you look at it before the weekend, based on where we were in Monza, what has he taken, three points off him?"

Horner pointed out, referencing Norris' minimal gains in the drivers' standings.

Perez's promising performance cut short

While Verstappen grappled with his car, Sergio Perez showed flashes of brilliance.

The Mexican driver displayed his best form of the season, challenging for the lead against Piastri and Charles Leclerc.

However, a late-race incident with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz ended Perez's hopes of a podium finish.

Horner expressed his disappointment:

"Frustrating, because with Checo, he certainly should have been on the podium at the very least in third place, probably second. "

"I think actually he could have won that race, had it not been for... he lost a lot of time behind Alex Albon initially and then Lando whilst he was on new tyres and Oscar was still out on the old tyres."