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Red Bull Racing's efforts now 'clearly' focused on 2019

Red Bull Racing is now devoting the majority of its resources towards next season and its partnership with future engine supplier Honda.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit had high hopes for 2018, but gradually, as the season has unfolded, the team has been outpaced by fellow front-running rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.

"The euphoria has given way to reality," said Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko, speaking to Austria's Kronen Zeitung.

"We have fallen behind Mercedes and Ferrari. We want to end the year as well as possible, but our focus is clearly on 2019."

After a 12-year allegiance to Renault, Red Bull will begin a new relationship with Honda next year, and both partners are hard at work, building what they hope will be a successful foundation for the future.

Red Bull 'could quit F1' if Honda fails to deliver

"We are seeing an extreme commitment and great energy from the Honda side, and our side as well, of course," added Marko.

"After Singapore, some of our leading people flew to Tokyo where the exchange of ideas is intensifying. It's the first time Red Bull has had an engine manufacturer behind us."

Many are still bearish on Red Bull's prospects given Honda's recent past with McLaren, but Marko points to the manufacturer's "obvious" progress as validated by Toro Rosso this season and the optimized logistics and communication that will govern the partnership between the two entities;

"Honda's headquarter is 15 minutes from us. In the past, we were just waiting to see what Renault's plan was but now everything is focused on us," Marko explained.

"We have good numbers from the factory so far and Honda is enjoying the benefit of insight from four cars. The (2019) car will be ready on time.

"We want to be competitive right from the start and drive for victories. Whether it's enough for the title I cannot say now, but our target must always be this."

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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.