F1 News, Reports and Race Results

'Red Bull inching closer to Mercedes', says Horner

Having outscored Ferrari in the last four races, Red Bull has now clearly positioned itself as Mercedes' closest challenger, a status the Milton Keynes-based outfit is keen to build on according to team boss Christian Horner.

When the season resumes in Belgium at the end of the month, Horner is hoping Red Bull will pick up where it left off following the double podium achieved by Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen in Hockenheim.

"Our objective is to close that gap further to Mercedes ahead," said Horner.

"You've always got to look ahead rather than behind. We've had great performance at a variety of circuits from Austria to Silverstone to Budapest and Germany.

"They are four very different venues, four different surfaces and that bodes well for the second half of the season. There are some races on the calendar which will hopefully be favourable to us."

Horner now estimates that the gap with Mercedes has dwindled down to 0.3 seconds thanks to the hard work accomplished both on the chassis and the engine fronts.

While Red Bull has now directed the bulk of its resources towards next season's car, Horner still believes more can be extracted from the potential of the RB12.

"We still have a few bits that we can tidy up on the car which are on the pipeline, which were kicked off some time ago. There is still progress going on with the engine with drivability.

"There are some positive things in the pipeline which can hopefully help us to try and close that gap further."

Exclusive F1i interview with Carlos Sainz

Felipe Nasr writes exclusively for F1i about Hungary, Germany and the summer break

Exclusive Marcus Ericsson Q&A

Explaining the F1 summer break

Chris Amon: A legend's career in pictures

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

26 mins ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

15 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

18 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

20 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

21 hours ago