Horner cautious: "I expect that Toto has used that"

Christian Horner argues that the changes to the regulations from 2020 to 2021 on the aerodynamic front have been a little bigger than initially thought. It provides opportunities for Adrian Newey to definitively close the gap to Mercedes. However, Red Bull Racing is aware that Mercedes should not be underestimated.

“Mercedes publicly said they stopped developing their 2020 car to focus on 2021. So, we’ll see, obviously, in Bahrain, the step forward they’ve made," Horner told Autosport Magazine. The 47-year-old Briton believes there are plenty of opportunities for Red Bull to come alongside. "I think the regulation changes are bigger than were anticipated, on the aero side of things," he said.

Germany's Mercedes has been in a lonely position in Formula 1 since 2014. It has grabbed seven consecutive world championships in both drivers and constructors. Red Bull will therefore have to pull out all the stops with the RB16B to break its hegemony. "Mercedes is quite a machine, but we’ve demonstrated that you can beat them – by working hard, by applying yourself to the task in hand."

Mercedes even more motivated now?

Horner expects Mercedes to be hugely motivated by the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, which Max Verstappen won in dominant fashion. "I expect that Toto has used that, and James Allison [too], to come up with an even more competitive car for this year. So, we don’t in any way underestimate the might of Mercedes. But we’ve always been a challenger," the chief remains hopeful.