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Red Bull's Christian Horner was delighted following the first practice session in Azerbaijan that saw the Milton Keynes team set the pace. Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo led a Red Bull one-two, with Verstappen clocking in a 1:44.410.
Last year's fastest time in FP1 was set by Lewis Hamilton, a 1:46.435. Horner praised Verstappen on his work in the first session, stating that the young Dutchman has a lot of confidence on a dirty circuit.
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"A very good session. Max looked very confident on a dirty track It's pretty slippy out there. With this massively long straight on the first lap, getting the brakes and tyres in right operating window it's very easy to lock-up and go a bit too deep.
Horner also admitted that Ricciardo's fastest time, a 1:44.880, was aided by a tow from the McLaren-Honda of Fernando Alonso. Ricciardo slotted into P2 to initiate a strong start for Red Bull during a weekend in which they are expected to struggle.
"Daniel had a nice tow from Fernando and picked up a few tenths. We've understood what tools work for what areas with the car. With the car being bigger this year there have been a few issues through the wind tunnel. The development we've seen come to the car in the last few races has been visible."
Horner went on to speak about the speculation surrounding both drivers and their futures. Both Verstappen and Ricciardo are supposedly unhappy with the competitiveness of the RB13 after they entered the season as favourites to challenge Mercedes. Horner declared that both men would be going nowhere for 2018.
"The drivers are happy. They're in good shape, they're on long contracts. There is no doubt in my mind or anyone in the team's mind that they're not part of the team next year. Anything else is just speculation. The only driver who had a clause was Mr Vettel. We're very happy with the drivers and they just want to go quicker.
"They are on junior driver contracts whereas Seb was able to renegotiate after his second world championship which had a bit of performance in it which gave him the trigger when Fernando made his move from Ferrari. These drivers don't have that trigger."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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