Horner: "Mercedes is the absolute benchmark"

The gap between the three top teams and midfield was quite large last year. Formula 1 wants to curb this with the new regulations of 2021, but this year the cars will be closer together. At least, that's what Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner expects.

Racing Point, McLaren and Renault

The three teams that showed that they were doing well during the winter test were Racing Point, McLaren and Renault. Whether they can really fight with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull remains to be seen. The gap will be smaller, Horner expects.

“I think the gap is closed. You get that with continuous regulation and when you have stability, the designs come closer together. Those of the one a bit closer than the other," Horner tells Crash.net. 

Healthy for the sport

“I think it is inevitable that the grid will come closer together, which is healthy for Formula 1. The most important thing for us is that we narrow the gap with Mercedes. That is our goal as they are the absolute benchmark," he continued. 

The team also has more confidence in the coming season than they had a year earlier for the 2019 season. "We've had little time, but we've been productive," Horner says about the winter test. "Compared to twelve months ago, we have driven considerably more distance and it feels like we are better prepared for the season than last year."

“The relationship between us and Honda has become more mature and the rules are stable without too many changes over the winter. So I think we are in a reasonable form," concludes the Englishman.