'Red Bull still has a chance to catch up,' says Horner

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Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner believes his team still has a chance to bridge the gap with front-runners Ferrari and Mercedes.

The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona next weekend will see the Milton-Keynes outfit bring an RB13 chassis featuring a massive upgrade package in a bid to improve its performance.

Engine partner Renault is delaying indefinitely a power unit update of its own however, but Horner is still confident of seeing a meaningful step forward in performance.

"The new regulations are still very immature and we will definitely get stronger," he told Red Bull's Speed Week.

"Obviously Ferrari and Mercedes have been better than us so far, but we've tried to keep the damage within limits. We still have our chances to catch up."

Verstappen excited to return to scene of maiden win

Red Bull's relatively low key start this season has left Daniel Ricciardo understandably frustrated, as the Honey Badger was banking on racing at the front this year.

The Aussie is rumored to be open to a change of scenery for 2018 but Horner hasn't seen any changes in his driver's attitude.

"I cannot see a difference between the Ricciardo now and the Daniel I know from past years," Horner said.

"Of course he wants to be competitive but he isn't moaning. The 2015 season was much more frustrating for him.

"I am convinced that we have the most exciting driver pairing in the sport," he added.

Finally, despite his team's current inability to mix it up at the front, Horner is happy to see Mercedes' dominance successfully challenged y Ferrari.

"It's great for the sport. Formula one has a new winner in Valtteri Bottas, we've had four races where beforehand no one could have predicted with certainty who would win.

"Three winners in four Grands Prix -- may it continue," he concluded.

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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.