Horner: "Red Bull can catch Ferrari and Mercedes"

  • Published on 09 May 2017 15:37
  • comments 2
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Team boss Christian Horner says Red Bull still has a chance of catching title contenders Ferrari and Mercedes in 2017. Although the energy drink owned team will introduce a 'B' spec car in Barcelona this weekend, engine partner Renault has delayed a performance upgrade. Still, Horner is upbeat.

"The new regulations are still very immature and we will definitely get stronger," he is quoted by Speed Week. "Obviously Ferrari and Mercedes have been better than us so far, but we've tried to keep the damage within limits. We still have our chances to catch up."

There are suggestions Red Bull's situation has left driver Daniel Ricciardo deeply frustrated, and potentially open to a switch to Ferrari for 2018. Horner said: "I cannot see a difference between the Ricciardo now and the Daniel I know from past years. Of course he wants to be competitive but he isn't moaning. The 2015 season was much more frustrating for him. I am convinced that we have the most exciting driver pairing in the sport," he added.

And although Red Bull is not yet vying for wins, Horner said he is happy that the formerly-dominant Mercedes team finally has a rival in the form of Ferrari. "It's great for the sport. Formula one has a new winner in Valtteri Bottas, we've had four races where beforehand no one could have predicted with certainty who would win. Three winners in four grands prix -- may it continue," he said. (GMM)

Replies (2)

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  • Of course, and we sort of expect them to. But will they just be able to catch up, or will they be able to compete, or even win? And even if Red Bull takes a massive leap in Spain, I doubt Ferrari and Mercedes will stand still, they will likely also bring updates to Spain, as will the rest of the field.

    • + 0
    • May 9 2017 - 19:56
  • I hope they can find half a second now and gain more with the new engine. Otherwise they won't catch up. Ferarri and Mercedes won't sit still either

    • + 0
    • May 10 2017 - 10:02

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