Ricciardo says 2016 proves Red Bull can catch up

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Daniel Ricciardo believe that Red Bull's surge in performance in the second part of last year can serve as a template for progress this season.

Red Bull has struggled since the season kicked off in Melbourne, finding itself distanced by rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.

But the Milton Keynes outfit's slow start in 2016 before it eventually challenged Mercedes' dominance later on should serve as a reminder that the potential to catch up exists, according to Ricciardo.

And the Aussie's 'hope' is backed by the team's planned chassis upgrade scheduled for teh Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona next month.

"I’ll use the word ‘hope’, I won’t use the word ‘expect’, but I hope for a bit of a bullet, something fast," Ricciardo said about Red Bull’s planned update.

"We want to be in a three-way fight with Ferrari and Mercedes, that’s what I hope, something that puts us in that fight.

"I look back at last year and I think here [in Russia] in qualifying we were over a second and a half off pole and then we went to Barcelona and we were about half a second off pole, then in Monaco we were quick.

"I think we just need a bit of everything, we’ve talked a bit about downforce, feeling it a bit in the rear.

"We’ve had a bit of time to look at Ferrari, they’ve been in front of us for a few races, we can study them for a lap or two before they get too far away, so they look strong, and Mercedes as well, carrying a bit more grip in the rear and that’s where a lot of lap time is these days."

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If the team effectively makes a step forward in Spain, Ricciardo reckons it could be on its way.

"A bit like last year we made that step and were [then] able to keep chipping away at it," he commented.

"To make that first step is important, I believe we will get that in Barcelona and let’s see where that puts us.

"If it puts us within half a second then I think we’re in striking territory soon after that."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.