HONG KONG, Jul 4, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Ausnutria Dairy (1717) issued an announcement yesterday to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors that the Group expects to record a notable year-on-year ("YoY") decrease in revenue and net profits for the six months ended 30 June 2022.The Group's revenue for the 1H 2022 is anticipated to achieve approximately RMB3,350 million to RMB3,500 million, representing a YoY decrease of 18.0% to 21.6%. The Group also expects to record the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the 1H 2022 in the range of RMB95.0 million to RMB160.0 million, representing a YoY decrease of 73.1% to 84.0%. Such decrease is mainly attributable to the decrease in revenue from the Own-branded Cow Milk Powder, owing to the Group's active adjustment of distribution channels in response to market changes as well as the macro-environmental factors.Due to lower birth rate in Mainland China and stringent anti-epidemic measures in some regions, the infant formula industry faced unprecedented challenges in 1H 2022. According to AC Nielsen, the industry's sales level for the period from January to April 2022 decreased by 4.4% YoY, and the sales volume decreased by 6.2% YoY, showing an overall downward trend. However, benefiting from Hyproca 1897's outstanding product quality and successful brand-building efforts over the years, at the retail level, Ausnutria's market share in term of sales maintained a steady growth in 1H 2022. Data from the same market research revealed that the market share of Hyproca 1897 for the period ended 30 April 2022 increased YoY by 0.5 percentage points, and revenue generated from Kabrita still outperformed the market.With a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of 34.1% for the last five years, the Group's Own-branded Cow Milk Powder has experienced significant growth since its establishment. The Hyproca 1897 business unit recorded an even sharper five-year CAGR of 61.7%. The estimated decrease in revenue for 1H 2022 is mainly due to the provision of products with better shelf life and of higher quality to customers, as well as the active adjustments made to reduce inventory pressure of major distributors and channel partners. Since the end of 2021, the Group has been enforcing more stringent control over the total inventory level of its distribution channel by slowing down the delivery of the Own-branded Cow Milk Powder to distributors. Indeed, our Own-branded Goat Milk Powder experienced a short-term and one-off proactive adjustments in its distribution channel in 2021. The results showed the Group's channel management, distributor co-operation and brand power are strengthening and becoming more resilient. The Own-branded Goat Milk Powder in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") resumed double-digit YoY growth in 2021. Furthermore, the adjustment is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2022. With the adoption of channel adjustments and overall improvement in products, branding and servicing, the Group is confident that Hyproca 1897 will fully return to solid growth in 2H 2022. Regular improvements with foresight planning are the key to staggering long-term results. The Group prioritizes the long-term development principle in the Company's growth through carrying out business activities based on the needs of consumers and distributors while pursuing the development of a healthy industry ecosystem. The Group believes inventory pressure can be reduced by active adjustments and collaboration with distributors. Consumer rights and distributors' confidence can hence be protected and enhanced respectively, as the Company lays the foundation for long-term development and brings more far-reaching returns to shareholders.About Ausnutria Dairy Corporation LtdAusnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd is a leading infant milk formula company with production facilities principally based in the Netherlands, the PRC, Australia and New Zealand. The Company is engaged in the worldwide production, R&D, and sales of infant formula, adult milk formula and other dairy and nutrition products. It owns several famous infant formula brands, including "Kabrita", "Allnutria" and "Hyproca". Ausnutria's factories in the PRC were among the first batch of factories that had been granted with the National Infant Formula Enterprise Production Permit. The factories in the Netherlands and Australia of Ausnutria were also among of the first infant milk formula manufacturers to obtain import licenses for overseas products under the new policy in the PRC. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
ABU DHABI (REUTERS) - Max Verstappen donned golden shoes as he got back behind the wheel for tyre testing in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (Dec 14) after winning the Formula One world championship for Red Bull. The 24-year-old Dutch driver, who beat Mercedes' seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton controversially in Sunday's season-ending race, completed 124 laps of Yas Marina on the new 18-inch tyres for 2022. Mercedes are still deciding whether to appeal the result of the race and have until Thursday, the night Verstappen is due to receive the champion's trophy at a gala awards ceremony in Paris. Verstappen overtook Hamilton seven corners from the end on Sunday after the safety car rules were tweaked, giving him an opportunity that Mercedes thought he should not have been allowed. George Russell turned out for Mercedes, starting the next stage of his career after leaving Williams and replacing Valtteri Bottas. Team reserve and Formula E champion Nyck de Vries joined the Briton and set the fastest lap as young drivers were also given track time. Australia's new Formula Two champion Oscar Piastri completed 131 laps for Alpine, who also had regular race driver Esteban Ocon testing the tyres. Guanyu Zhou, who will become China's first Formula One driver next season, tested for Alfa Romeo with Bottas also making his debut with the Swiss-based team. McLaren gave Mexican IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward his first proper run out in F1 machinery, with Daniel Ricciardo also completing a day of testing before heading for quarantine in Australia. "What a car... I was expecting something ridiculous, but this is more than ridiculous," O'Ward said of the experience. "I was struggling to keep my head up at the end. "Nothing I've driven comes close to this, not even a hint of close. It is unbelievable." New Zealander Liam Lawson tested for AlphaTauri, American Logan Sergeant with Williams and Britain's Nick Yelloly at Aston Martin. Ferrari tested Russian Robert Shwartzman and Italian Antonio Fuoco. No rest 💪World champion @Max33Verstappen is back in the car at Abu Dhabi today, testing the new Pirelli 18-inch tyre#F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/JITNzAYi6z— Formula 1 (@F1) December 14, 2021 Settling in. 👊 pic.twitter.com/DVfd3lzvax— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 14, 2021 More on this topic Related Story Watch out Hamilton, F1 world champ Verstappen to keep going for many years Related Story Formula One: Hamilton told team on radio race was 'manipulated'
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (REUTERS) - Max Verstappen was left disappointed on Saturday (Dec 4) after a last-gasp mistake in the dying seconds of qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix cost him pole and dealt a blow to his chances of wrapping up a maiden Formula One title with a race to spare. The Dutchman had produced a stunning display under the floodlights, dancing his Red Bull right up against the walls lining the 6.1km-long Jeddah street track's high-speed sweeps. He was comfortably on course to seize the fastest lap from title rival and provisional pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton until he pushed a touch too far, clouting the wall on the exit of the final corner after locking up on the way in, and was forced to settle for third place. The contact broke Verstappen's rear suspension and may have damaged his gearbox, which could cost him five places on the grid if it needs to be changed. It also allowed Mercedes to lock out the front row, with Valtteri Bottas second alongside Hamilton. "I was really enjoying it and then not to finish it is extremely disappointing, especially now, in this fight, you want to start first," said Verstappen, who was 0.244 seconds ahead of Hamilton's time when he crashed and instead ended up 0.142 seconds adrift of the Briton. "I saw it was a good lap, I was three-tenths faster on my delta. I thought last corner there might be still a bit to gain. "I approached it like I always do in qualifying but now somehow I just locked up and I have to see if I actually braked later or not, for my feeling is I didn't." Verstappen leads Hamilton by eight points in the overall standings and can clinch the title on Sunday if he finishes in the top two with other permutations working in his favour. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton on Saudi GP pole as Verstappen slips to third Related Story Formula One: Hamilton chasing hat-trick to set up last-race showdown But a third-place finish, with Hamilton first and scoring the extra point for fastest lap, would see the Briton draw level on points, setting up a winner-takes-all last-race duel in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen is confident Red Bull have the pace to challenge Mercedes on Sunday and will be going for the win rather than damage limitation. "Of course I would have liked to start first," he said."Starting third is a bit more difficult but definitely not impossible." More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton reprimanded and Mercedes fined at Saudi GP Related Story Formula One: Hamilton dominates practice on new circuit in Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (REUTERS) - Max Verstappen cut an unfazed figure on Thursday (Dec 2) heading into the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a race which could bring the Red Bull driver a maiden Formula One world title. Verstappen leads Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton by eight points in the standings heading into the season's penultimate race around the Red Sea city of Jeddah. The 24-year-old Dutchman, who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old prodigy in 2015, needs to finish at least second and for other results to go his way to clinch his long-awaited maiden title with a race to spare. But you wouldn't know it. "Like I've done the whole season," Verstappen told reporters in deadpan style when asked how he was approaching the Saudi Arabian race. "I've always been very neutral, not read positive, negative things or in general not read too many things and be busy with other things in life." "I think that helps a lot," he added. Hamilton, gunning for a hat-trick of victories with the momentum having swung his way after resounding wins in Qatar and Brazil, looked similarly relaxed. The 36-year-old seven-times world champion has experienced five down-to-the-wire title battles but is also exploring uncharted territory in his search for an unprecedented eighth world crown, which he acknowledged would count as his most meaningful. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton chasing hat-trick to set up last-race showdown Related Story Formula One: Hamilton wins in Qatar with Verstappen second "It's different in one sense because we've got two incredibly close teams, it's different because we're fighting for uncharted territory, no one's ever won eight titles, team or driver, so that's quite fresh and new," said Hamilton, who will leave Saudi Arabia level on points with Verstappen to set up a winner takes all Abu Dhabi finale if he wins with the fastest lap ahead of the Dutchman. "Then on the other side I'm more relaxed than I've ever been. I remember how it was my first championship and even my second and third, the sleepless nights and all those sorts of things. "Obviously, (I'm) a lot more sure about myself and just applied myself better than ever before. All I can do is prepare the best I can for what's up ahead of me and I 100 per cent know I have." More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: First Saudi female racer named ambassador for maiden F1 GP Related Story In The Driver's Seat: Evergreen Alonso serves up reminder of his driving ability
DOHA (REUTERS) - Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff declared the gloves were off as he and Red Bull rival Christian Horner engaged in more verbal sparring at the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix on Friday (Nov 19). The two principals have been needling each other all season amid the ebbs and flows of the title battle and they appeared together in a scheduled news conference between practice sessions at Losail. The fighting talk came to the fore again, following on from last weekend's race in Brazil that was overshadowed by suspicions and accusations. Asked whether there was still mutual respect ahead of the final three races, Wolff replied: "There are many great people working in Red Bull and obviously many in Mercedes and it's a hell of a fight. "There is a respect for the capability that Red Bull has, definitely, and it's clear that this is tough. It's the world championship of the highest category in motor racing and what started as Olympic boxing went to pro boxing and is now MMA. "Gloves are off and nothing else is to be expected." Horner, asked for his view, replied bluntly: "There is no relationship." Defining it as "the most intense political title fight" the team had ever experienced, he said relationship and respect were different things and he respected the achievements of Mercedes and seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton. "But I don't need to go to dinner with Toto, I don't need to kiss his arse or anything like that. There's a few other team principals who might..." Horner, who recently compared Wolff to a 'pantomime dame' after being labelled a 'windbag' before that by the Austrian, said they were just very different characters. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Bottas quickest ahead of Gasly in Qatar practice Related Story Formula One: Red Bull ready to protest against Mercedes rear wing, says Horner "Am I going to be spending Christmas with Toto? Probably not, unless you're in panto this year? I might take the kids," added the Briton. "You don't have to be best mates with your opponents. How can you be? I think that would be dishonest to fake a facade when you're competing against each other." Mercedes are 11 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors' championship but Red Bull's Max Verstappen is 14 ahead of Hamilton. More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: Formula One stewards turn down Mercedes request for review of Brazil incident Related Story Formula One: Hamilton and Verstappen take a step into the unknown
DOHA (AFP) - Max Verstappen was in bullish mood on Thursday (Nov 18), declaring his heated Formula One title battle with Lewis Hamilton was no "kindergarten" and that he would continue his aggressive approach in this weekend's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix. The 24-year-old championship leader defended so fiercely in last Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix that he forced the seven-time world champion off the Interlagos track. That incident was under scrutiny as he spoke on Thursday as a stewards' review took place at the Losail International Circuit where the Red Bull and Mercedes teams were again locked in conflict. Verstappen was not surprised, he said, that Mercedes had asked for the review, but made clear he would react in just the same way again as he had on Lap 41 in Sao Paulo to retain the lead. Hamilton eventually found his way past and went on to claim an epic victory that trimmed the Dutchman's lead to 14 points with three races remaining. The incident was not deemed worthy of further action last Sunday, but the release of Verstappen's on-board video persuaded Mercedes that a review was necessary. But Verstappen was not impressed. "If it would have been the other way around in Brazil, it would have exactly played out like that," he said, suggesting that Hamilton can be just as brutal when required. "Yeah, it's hard racing, we are fighting for a championship. We are not here to be in a kindergarten. I thought it was a great battle and I had a lot of fun as well out there. "As a driver, I think we know exactly what we can or cannot do in a car and we were fighting hard, braking late into the corner and the tyres were quite worn. "If I would have turned more abruptly to the left, you'd just spin off the track. At the end of the day, they won the race, fair enough. They were faster than us, but I thought it was a good battle." As Mercedes launched their request for a review, Red Bull continued to grumble about the power of Hamilton's new power unit and the rear wing of his car, which had been deemed irregular in Brazil and led to him losing pole position. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton not wasting energy on Brazil GP flashpoint review Related Story Formula One: Hamilton and Verstappen take a step into the unknown
DOHA (REUTERS) - Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen take their title battle into the unknown this weekend as Qatar hosts a Formula One grand prix for the first time at a track better known for two-wheeled thrills. The last of three races on successive weekends from Mexico via Brazil, Qatar also starts a final run of three in the Middle East to decide whether Mercedes' Hamilton wins a record eighth championship or Red Bull's Verstappen takes his first. Hamilton slashed the gap to 14 points after overcoming a series of setbacks with one of his finest career victories at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit last Sunday. Brazil was marked by suspicion and controversy, and that is set to continue at the 20th race of the season with Mercedes seeking a stewards' review of a defensive move by Verstappen that forced Hamilton off track. Meanwhile, fans will be on tenterhooks for the next instalment of the battle between two adversaries driving hard and at their best. "We're seeing a titanic battle for this year's two championships, and the race in Brazil was just another twist in an engrossing tale," said Formula One's managing director Ross Brawn. "Mercedes had the edge (in Brazil), but it could swing back into Red Bull's favour next time. It's been fantastic. No one knows what will happen next." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said his team would come out fighting. "The final race of a triple-header can sometimes test your energy levels but with just three races to decide both championships, our motivation is greater than ever," added the Austrian. "Our focus is on channelling it in the most effective way." Mercedes are 11 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors' championship. Qatar's Losail circuit near Doha has regularly hosted MotoGP's season-opening race and is fast and flowing with a mix of medium and high-speed corners and a one km long main straight. It will be followed by another new venue in Saudi Arabia, a street circuit in Jeddah, before the final in Abu Dhabi where changes have been made to the track since the last time Formula One raced there. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Audi exploring entry into F1 racing Related Story Formula One: 'Angry' Wolff demands review of Verstappen incident in Brazil "I think I've only been to Qatar once for a prize giving so I'm looking forward to going back," said Verstappen. "Hopefully, we can perform well there. It always looks cool when we see MotoGP race there." Verstappen's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez has raced previously at Losail, having won there in the GP2 Asia series in 2009. Alpine racing director Davide Brivio has far more experience, having joined the Renault-owned team from MotoGP champions Suzuki last January. More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: First Chinese driver is huge for Alfa and F1, says Vasseur Related Story In the Driver's Seat: Stewards' decisions baffle at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
FRANKFURT (AFP) - German carmaker Audi is looking at ways into Formula One, with partnerships with established racers teams like McLaren, Red Bull and Williams mooted in the press on Wednesday (Nov 17). Audi's supervisory board discussed the options at a meeting in Stuttgart, including "potential transactions" with McLaren, according to Bloomberg News. "We constantly look at different cooperation ideas in the scope of our strategic considerations," a spokesman for Audi told AFP. On Monday, McLaren denied reports that it had been purchased by Audi, saying the group's "technology strategy has always involved ongoing discussions and collaboration with relevant partners and suppliers." But Volkswagen subsidiary Audi is said to have made an offer for McLaren, which was deemed too low by the British company, according to Bloomberg. Audi was also considering "alternative partnerships with the likes of Red Bull Racing or Williams Racing", Bloomberg said. Like the rest of the Volkswagen automobile stable, Audi is pivoting towards electric vehicles and hopes to use the entry to showcase green technology, according to the German press. A condition for Audi's interest is that the elite racing competition "uses hybrid power and e-fuels from 2026", explained German financial daily Handelsblatt, recalling that Audi CEO Markus Duesmann is a "racing fan". Before joining the Volkswagen group, Duesmann was also for many years an engine developer for BMW's Formula 1 teams. A final decision on any partnership or purchase would not be made before 2022, an Audi source told AFP. McLaren's principal shareholder is the Bahrain sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: 'Angry' Wolff demands review of Verstappen incident in Brazil Related Story Motor racing: First Chinese driver is huge for Alfa and F1, says Vasseur
SAO PAULO (REUTERS) - Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas won a sprint race for pole position at the Sao Paulo Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday (Nov 13) as Red Bull's Max Verstappen extended his championship lead to 21 points. Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton charged from last on the grid, after his car failed a technical inspection on Friday, to fifth and will start 10th on Sunday after a five place penalty for an engine change. "It's not over yet," Hamilton told Mercedes over the team radio after a sensational, aggressive drive that saw him gain 15 positions in 24 laps. He finished with a flourish, sweeping past the McLaren of fellow-Briton Lando Norris on the last lap as the crowd stood and cheered. "I honestly had no idea what was possible. I didn't set a limit or a maximum," said Hamilton. "Then all of a sudden I was chipping away at it much faster... you can't give up, you've just got to keep pushing." Bottas took three points for the sprint win, stretching Mercedes' lead over Red Bull in the constructors' standings to two points. Verstappen, who had lined up at the front of the grid, lost out to Bottas at the start and had to settle for second place and two points. "The start was the key thing for me," said Bottas. "We gambled a bit with the soft tyre, we knew it would be a benefit at the start and it worked." More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen fined over $70,000 for touching Hamilton's car Related Story Formula One: Hamilton to take five place grid penalty in Brazil Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari and took the final point available. Sunday's race will be three times longer and Hamilton, with a fresher engine than those ahead of him, will be targeting the podium. "Brilliant drive. Damage limitation," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: One is magic number as Verstappen ignores title talk Related Story Formula One: Verstappen can sprint further clear of Hamilton in Brazil
SAO PAULO (REUTERS) - Lewis Hamilton stayed onside with his Brazilian fans on Wednesday (Nov 10) by calling up soccer star Neymar ahead of a big weekend for the Briton's bid for a record eighth Formula One championship. The Mercedes driver told reporters he hoped to watch his friend in a World Cup qualifier between five times champions Brazil and Colombia at the home of Sao Paulo's Corinthians on Thursday night. "I'm very much in contact with Neymar, quite often, we were just talking actually earlier today," explained the Briton at a news conference for team sponsor Petronas. "I know he's playing tomorrow, I really want to go and watch the game." Paris St Germain forward Neymar and Hamilton have hung out on several occasions in the past, with the Brazilian once referring to the Formula One champion as a 'brother from another mother'. Formula One has only media duties on Thursday with the action getting under way on Friday, with practice and a qualifying session for Saturday's sprint race. Hamilton is 19 points adrift of Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the championship with four races remaining, including Interlagos. Mercedes are only a point ahead of Red Bull in the constructors' championship. This season has been one of the closest and hard-fought of recent years, with the lead swinging between the two contenders, and Hamilton hoped next year could be even more competitive with new rules and cars. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen can sprint further clear of Hamilton in Brazil Related Story Formula One: F1 bans bodyguards from the grid after Brundle incident He said that should make a difference when it came to getting more grip from the tyres and also reducing the turbulence of following another car. "They have developed this new car so you can use less downforce while following another car, so we are really hoping that the racing is going be the best that Formula One has ever seen," he said. The new cars will feature larger 18 inch wheels with covers and simpler front and rear wings designed to make it easier for drivers to overtake. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton clarifies his Mexico GP comments about Bottas, Perez Related Story In the Driver's Seat: Red Bull turn on the heat at the right moment
MEXICO CITY (REUTERS) - Red Bull boss Christian Horner emphasised on Friday (Nov 5) that team orders were a part of Formula One and refused to rule out telling Mexican Sergio Perez to give up a home victory this weekend. No Mexican driver has ever won a home grand prix but Perez has a winning car and has been on the podium in his last two races. He is not in contention for the title, however, while teammate Max Verstappen is top of the standings with a 12-point advantage over Mercedes' seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton and five races remaining. Verstappen has eight wins this year to Perez's one. Asked whether he would tell Perez to let Verstappen overtake if the Mexican was leading with the Dutch driver second, Horner said it was a tough call. "Our main objective is to win both championships and both drivers know the task involved to achieve that," he told reporters. "You can't rule it (team orders) out, you can't rule it in. Our preference would be, if Checo were in that position, for him to win his home race. There is no bigger result for any home driver. "But as a team we have to keep an eye on both of these championships and know what's at stake and this race, like any other, has the same amount of points attributable to it and therefore we treat it like any other race." Perez has played a supporting role to Verstappen this season, moving aside where required, but it would be a big ask with a huge crowd expecting to cheer on a home hero whose face is on advertising billboards across the capital. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen dominates Hamilton in Mexico Grand Prix practice Related Story Formula One: 'Red Bull want me to win in Mexico,' says home star Perez Mercedes have won the past seven drivers' and constructors' championships and are still 23 points clear of Red Bull in the latter competition. "Team orders are part of the sport being a team sport," continued Horner. "The drivers are one element of the team, their contract is with the team, and the constructors' championship... that's where the money is paid out. "We operate as a team and that's why team orders sometimes are necessary for the best interest of the sport. I've got no doubt you'll see more and more of that at the sharp end of this championship over the remaining five races," he said. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Title race stacking up in favour of Red Bull's Max Verstappen Related Story Formula One: I will win or lose the title in the right way, says Hamilton Horner also rejected a suggestion from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff that the title could be decided by a collision between the two contenders, as in the past between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. "I was disappointed to read the comments," he said. "We want a really fair fight between now and the end of the championship. I think any driver would want to win the championship on track. "Nobody wants to see a championship decided in a gravel trap." More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton and Raikkonen reprimanded for bollard error Related Story Motor racing: Verstappen calm on Covid-19 threat to F1 title but Hamilton wary
MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Max Verstappen dominated practice at the Mexico Grand Prix on Friday (Nov 5), ending the session over a half a second ahead of world champion and title rival Lewis Hamilton. The Dutch Red Bull driver, who has a 12-point lead over Hamilton in the championship with five races left, clocked a blistering 1min 17.301sec. That was 0.424sec ahead of Valtteri Bottas and 0.509sec faster than Hamilton in the second Mercedes. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, racing in front of his home fans at the spectacular Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, was fourth at 0.570sec behind his teammate. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, 1.017sec back from two-time Mexico GP winner Verstappen, filled out the top five. “It was a solid session for us,” Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Sky Sports. “Both drivers are starting to find a setup that they’re liking, the short runs and long runs look reasonable. “I think Mercedes have still got a bit in the pocket so I don’t think we’ve seen their full potential, but focusing on ourselves it was a reasonable day.” Bottas had edged out Hamilton in the morning session in a best time of 1min 18.341sec, mastering the tricky, dusty conditions. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: I will win or lose the title in the right way, says Hamilton Related Story Motor racing: Verstappen calm on Covid-19 threat to F1 title but Hamilton wary Verstappen and Perez had been third and fourth fastest respectively at 0.123sec and 0.269sec. Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen in an Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, were put under investigation for not having followed the instructions of the race director to rejoin the track after coming off at the first turn. Both men escaped with a reprimand. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin and Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri will start from the back of the grid in Sunday’s race for taking too many engine parts after both also changed engines. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: 'Red Bull want me to win in Mexico,' says home star Perez Related Story Formula One: Title race stacking up in favour of Red Bull's Max Verstappen