Red Bull team boss Horner pinpoints biggest surprise of test days

Christian Horner has singled out Aston Martin as the biggest surprises of this week's test days. The British racing stable has opted for a new concept compared to 2022 and it seems to be paying off. About its own RB19, the Red Bull Racing team boss is very satisfied. The feedback from Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez is quite similar, which logically makes Horner happy.

Red Bull looks to start the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend as the big favourite. Ferrari could not match the times of the Milton Keynes-based formation over the past three days, although it was relatively quick on the C3s and C4s. Mercedes even had to beat team like Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo Racing, making it difficult to gauge how competitive the W14 is.

Horner remains wary of both teams, telling Formula1.com. "Very difficult to say. I mean Ferrari look like they’re quick, Mercedes’ form [is] difficult to read at the moment. Are they holding something back? We’ll see this time next week; I think all will become clear." At Mercedes themselves, they do not think they can compete for victory next week on Sunday.

Aston Martin takes big step

Aston Martin is perhaps the 'dark horse'. The team of drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll (or maybe next week Felipe Drugovich again) made an excellent impression in preparation for the 2023 season. Last year's start was particularly lousy, but results improved in the second half of the season. That form seems to have continued for the team over the winter.

"Yes, I think they have made a big step. It looks like their concept of car has moved them forward and they look like they’re not too far away." said Horner, who was impressed by Fernando Alonso, who came over from Alpine. "Fernando in particular looks very competitive.”

RB19 predictable

Verstappen and Perez both crawled behind the wheel of the new car for a day and a half and both drivers left feeling positive. The data from the track is consistent with the data from the wind tunnel and Verstappen and Perez provide similar feedback, something that is important to help the RB19 progress even further. "The development of the car and the direction that we’ll be looking to optimise the car in future races is consistent between both sides of the garage, so that’s encouraging."