Marko remains cautious with his prediction: 'Mercedes is the favourite'

Red Bull Racing hopes to finally be back in contention for the world title in 2021. Since the hybrid era, the Austrian team has never really come close to Mercedes, but Helmut Marko is hopeful that will change in 2021.

Since 2014, Mercedes has had the power in Formula 1. Where Red Bull Racing dominated the sport between 2010 and 2013, it lost power with the introduction of the hybrid engines. On that front, Mercedes had a huge lead over the competition, and it hasn't given that lead away in seven years.

The last race in 2020 was won by Red Bull Racing, but Max Verstappen 's victory is not an immediate sign that Red Bull is already there. Heading into the start of the season, Red Bull's goal is still clear: ''That we have closed the gap on Mercedes'', Helmut Marko told Speedweek.com.

The top man, who in recent years has often been called out for his ambitious pre-season statements, is a little more cautious this year. ''The first race will show how close we are. Mercedes is still the favourite, if only if you look at their performance in recent years. However, we have worked hard and focused, and the same can be said of Honda'', concludes the Austrian.