A win in Japan certainly would be a dream result as Red Bull and Honda race at Suzuka as one team for the first time, with anticipation already building for what is likely to be a special weekend. “I think it’s going to be massive in Japan this year. I believe ticket sales are massively up. Japan is embracing Honda’s success and Max is becoming a hero, not just over here in Europe now but certainly in Japan as well. I’m not a big sushi fan and I said when we win a race, I would eat sushi. So, I’m going to have to do that at some point. We’ve won two now, so it’s a lot of sushi. I haven’t done it yet, I’m saving it for Japan!”

While only in the first year of the partnership, thoughts inevitably turn to the future and what can be achieved together. Horner says “Nobody is committed beyond the end of 2020 yet so they’re in the same situation as every team and manufacturer. Of course they’re doing a great job and certainly the intention is for this relationship to continue into the future. That’s very much the hope and I think the benefits for both parties would be from a long-term involvement. Who knows, we could see a Japanese driver in a Red Bull car if they’re good enough. There’s some promising ones coming through. Yuki Tsunoda looks like he’s an interesting talent - he’s just qualified in the top three in F3 here at Spa - and there are some promising young Japanese drivers out there.”

But before such long-term plans, there are more immediate matters to focus on this season, and Horner has a clear goal for the coming nine races to cap off the first year in partnership with Honda. “For us it’s important to finish the season absolutely on an upward trajectory because the regulations are stable going into next year. So, whatever we learn this year applies to next year. I’d like to see us continue to build… if there’s one word I want to use at the end of the season, it’s momentum.”