Horner: Albon sim work helped Red Bull 'turn it around' in Monaco

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Christian Horner says Alex Albon's work in the simulator in Milton Keynes after Red Bull's opening day of running in Monaco helped the team "turn it around" for Saturday.

Verstappen scored a dominant win in the streets of Monte Carlo, helped in part by the last-minute withdrawal of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc following a driveshaft failure on his way to the grid.

Verstappen had qualified on the front row alongside the Monegasque, but Horner admits his team's prospects appeared limited after Thursday's practice sessions.

But Albon's set-up work in Red Bull's simulator on Friday significantly helped the team improve its performance for Saturday.

"We were not in great shape on Thursday in Monaco and Max was not particularly happy with the car but the work behind the scenes, the work Alex [Albon] has been putting in on the sim, all helped to turn it around for Saturday," Horner said ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“We made some good set-up changes, got Max and Checo a lot happier with the car and Max was obviously gutted to miss out on pole with the red flag.

"We all went into Saturday evening a little frustrated because we all knew how difficult it would be to overtake, but Ferrari’s misfortune turned into our good fortune and it was important for us to convert the opportunity."

Read also: Verstappen 'can't be bothered' by mind games with Hamilton

Looking ahead to this weekend's round of racing in Baku, Horner remains wary of arch-rival Mercedes, but the Briton says he's also keen to see if Ferrari can sustain its Monaco form in Azerbaijan.

"Mercedes have been mighty there but we did win with Daniel [Ricciardo] in 2017," said Horner.

"It is an unforgiving street circuit and anything can happen. Overtaking is possible, unlike at Monte Carlo, and the characteristics of the circuit are very interesting.

"Of course, it will also be interesting to see too if Ferrari’s form carries through because that will be great for the championship. Seeing six cars in contention and fighting for wins is better than having just two."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.