Horner expecting difficult three-race stint for Red Bull

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Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner has warned that his team could struggle in the short term as it tackles a series of races which will likely challenge its RB13.

While the Milton Keynes-based outfit gradually improves after a slow start to its season, expectations of a substantial step forward in Canada thanks to an engine upgrade have been put on the back burner following Renault's decision to hold out indefinitely on its power unit updates.

Horner is optimistic however about the RB13's future rate of development but fears that Canada, Azerbaijan and Austria will still be tough given the power-hungry nature of the venues.

"We're understanding the car better, we're developing the car better and we're getting performance from the car," the Red Bull team principal told reporters in Monaco.

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"I'm a little worried about two weeks' time and four weeks' time because they're completely different challenges. The next three circuits for us are actually really tough."

"They are going to be our biggest challenges of the calendar perhaps bar Monza," Horner added.

"If we can perform okay at those next three venues, then with what's in the pipeline for further in the season, I think the second half of the season can be stronger than the first half."

As for when Renault will finally proceed with its much-expected engine update, Horner did not know.

"It’s not in the plan at the moment," he said.

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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.