No more Hamilton! Horner now names Sainz as Red Bull's "nemesis"

Just four points is the difference between Red Bull Racing and Ferrari in the constructors' championship after three Grands Prix. Five points is currently the margin between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in the drivers' standings, with Carlos Sainz 11 points behind the Dutchman. Looking purely at the results to date, it is fair to say that Formula 1 is (for now) a duel between Red Bull and Ferrari. Christian Horner, the Austrians' team boss, responds to that suggestion.

Ifs and buts: Formula 1 is a technical sport. And no doubt, Max Verstappen would have gained quite a few points had he managed to reach the finish of the Australian Grand Prix unscathed. Carlos Sainz was more unlucky retrospectively: due to acute appendicitis, he was unable to compete at all in Saudi Arabia earlier this season. This could just prove costly points in the title race.

Christian Horner was asked immediately after the race in Melbourne whether we will have a real battle between two teams this season, with his Red Bull and Ferrari? His response: "Ferrari are a strong team. They've got two strong drivers. They've got a decent car.  We've had a tough day today. They've capitalised on that. So it's closed everything up again. Only 21 races to go."

Sainz Red Bull's new rival

The next Grand Prix in Japan will surely show whether Ferrari can do it consistently. Last season, Ferrari also won the race before Suzuka (then it was Singapore, ed.) "Yes, Carlos Sainz again, Carlos is the only driver that's beaten Red Bull so he appears to be our nemesis. Suzuka is a great track. It's a track that we've always performed well at. It's Honda's home circuit. The drivers enjoy it and love racing. So, yeah, we're looking forward to going back," Horner looks ahead.