Marko expecting Red Bull to fight for both titles in 2017

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Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko believes the change in Formula 1's regulations next season and the start with a clean slate it has induced will enable Red Bull racing to fight for both titles.

The Milton-Keynes outfit enjoyed a huge improvement in 2016 compared to its dismal 2015 season which was marked by the appalling performance and reliability of its Renault power unit.

Marko believes the team's vast experience will serve its interests well going in to 2017 and tackling the sport's new regulations.

"On the chassis side we always have been good and this year’s chassis is one of our best - and all the data we have from the new car is very positive," Marko told the official Formula One website.

"With the regulation changes for 2017, nobody can use the experience or the package that they have - and history has shown that we are always good when there is a regulation change."

"So we are convinced that we will fight for both titles in 2017," he added.

Marko was asked whether the team's second place finish in the Constructor's championship had come as a surprise given Red Bull's fruitless efforts in 2015.

"No. And with Max joining that gave a huge morale boost after that really painful 2015 season. We are absolutely in a winning mood again."

Marko also insisted on how Verstappen's graduation to Red Bull forced Daniel Riciiardo to raise his game.

"They are both very fast drivers with different approaches. I know from the bonus that he [Ricciardo] will get this year - our drivers are mainly on a bonus system - that Daniel is anything but invisible.

"When Max came to Red Bull Racing, Daniel immediately raised his game. Daniel has huge potential but he also knows that Max is not an easy one. He has to go to the absolute limit to keep up. That pushes the whole team forward."

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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.