Mild Marko says they're behind compared to Mercedes

Red Bull Racing have a bit of a habit in recent years of starting the season with high hopes only to make up ground during the season after a disappointing start. This time, Helmut Marko seems to have anticipated that scenario.

Expectations were particularly high last year. It was the second year with Honda and after a very good start to 2019, Red Bull were convinced they could seriously compete for the title in 2020. However, Mercedes appeared to have made a big step forward over the winter and ended up having one of their most dominant seasons ever.

Red Bull Racing stays in the hunt

That's a lead they won't relinquish heading into 2021, Marko agrees. "We are close to Mercedes, but we are not blinded by the success of the last race in Abu Dhabi", the Austrian told f1-insider.com. "Mercedes didn't give everything then".

"Mercedes is still the benchmark for 2021. We have to try and put them under pressure from the first race onwards," Marko said. Red Bull Racing will need to take advantage of the rule changes for 2021. Find out what impact that might have on Mercedes and Red Bull here.