Narrow operating window of RB15 challenging Red Bull drivers

©RedBull

Red Bull's Christian Horner says the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend highlighted the "narrow" operating window of the team's RB15 and the challenge it poses to its drivers.

Max Verstappen qualified fifth at Sakhir and concluded the race fourth while Pierre Gasly struggled to approach his team mate's performance.

According to Horner however, neither driver currently feels comfortable with their mount as they search for a breakthrough on the RB15's set-up.

Verstappen says he 'didn't deserve a podium' in Bahrain

"I think it’s a tricky car at the moment," said Horner.

"Our operating window looks quite narrow and Max has coped with that extremely well. I think it’s been harder for Pierre. That will come I’m sure."

Contrary to what most pundits expected at the outset of the 2019 season, Red Bull's performance appears more dependent on its chassis than on its Honda engine.

©RedBull

Horner stressed that this week's in-season test at Bahrain would help the Milton Keynes-based squad better understand the nature of its deficit relative to its front-running rivals.

"It’s perfect timing, we need to find more performance," added Horner.

"We’ve got more to sort out on the chassis side. The engine’s continuing to make good progress.

"So, our focus is very much on trying to understand the tyre issues and get the car into a good operating window.

"It’s just understanding what the magic password is."

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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.