F1 set for whole new beginning in 2017 - Horner

Christian Horner believes that the FIA's plans to revamp engine and overall technical regulations will usher in an entirely new era for Grand Prix racing in 2017.

Formula 1's sanctioning body, along with Bernie Ecclestone, has been encouraging, amongst other things, the introduction of a cheaper power unit destined for customer teams, to the point where it has granted its President Jean Todt and Ecclestone radical new powers to shake up the sport.

"The FIA are all over this now," Horner said.

"Jean Todt is puffing his chest out that he wants to sort this out and he seems like a man on a mission. I think ’17 represents a whole new beginning."

Horner also believes that any significant changes will benefit Red Bull beyond a 2016 season which will see it use a TAG-badged Renault power unit.

"There’s a new set of chassis regulations, which is another opportunity for the group to grab hold of a clean sheet of paper. So I think the future actually looks very bright for the team."

While most observers aren't expecting Red Bull to bridge the gap with Mercedes or Ferrari in the first half of the season, Horner considers that progress in the engine department on the part of Renault can be achieved quickly, as Ferrari aptly demonstrated in 2015.

"This time last year, the Ferrari engine looked the worst of the three. Things can change very quickly, let’s see what happens over the next three or four months."

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