A dominant qualifying performance from Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez was a sign that "order has been restored" at Red Bull.
That was the declaration made by team adviser Helmut Marko after an ideal result on Saturday. Verstappen will start Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on pole position, sharing the front row with Perez after helping the Mexican by giving him a tow on his second flying lap.
Red Bull were perhaps keen for the Dutchman to help his team-mate, in the wake of their row at the end of last weekend's race in Brazil. Verstappen refused the team's order to let Perez pass on the final lap, even though he needs the points in his battle with Charles Leclerc for second place in the championship.
"First and second place!" said the delighted Marko when speaking to Servus TV. "After the fiasco in Brazil, we are happy that the order has been restored."
He went on to explain the problem which saw the champion start Q3 a little later than planned. Marko added: "Verstappen's dashboard failed twice, but he was not bothered by that. At another point there was another problem with the front wing, but at the moment it counted, Max just delivered!"
Verstappen's season was over a long time ago, with both the drivers' and constructors' championships sewn up already. But Perez's bid for second place is important to the team, as they have never before had both their drivers finish in the top two places in the standings.
Judging by what we have seen on track so far this weekend, Red Bull look well equipped to achieve that. They were in a league of their own in terms of one-lap pace in qualifying, and practice also gave them plenty of confidence for what their race pace might look like.
"What makes us even happier, however, are the long runs," added Marko. "Indeed, in terms of tyre wear, we were clearly better than Ferrari in the free practice sessions. I hope that remains the same on Sunday. Then we could come close to our goal of setting a new record for most wins in a season and clinching a 1-2 in the championship."
Red Bull were certainly a lot happier than Mercedes, who could manage only fifth and sixth fastest on Saturday. Reacting to that outcome, Toto Wolff told Sky : "Today, I just heard, is World Toilet Day – so I think that result is one to put in the toilet. I think we just didn't get the job done."
