F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Further progress by Renault could help Red Bull bridge the gap

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner believes that if Renault's linear progress over the winter is as strong as last year, then Red Bull could give Mercedes a run for its money.

With teams starting with a clean slate in 2017 following F1's regulation change, and the emphasis on chassis design, an area particularly suited to the genius of Adrian Newey, Red Bull is viewed as Mercedes' main challenger for the upcoming campaign.

But Horner says that a lot will depend on Renault's ability to deliver the goods on its end when it introduces it all-new power unit.

"They [Renault] are working very hard," said Horner.

"If they can make the kind of gain that they made last winter, over this winter, then with the stability of the rules, hopefully that [power] convergence will start to happen."

Horner insisted however that there was no real point in making any projections until the team's performance could be compared on a relative basis to that of its rivals.

"And, with the chassis hopefully playing a bigger role in the package, it may balance things up slightly. But it is all hypothetical as you don't know what everybody else has.

"All we can do is focus on the best job we can and worry about the others when we see them in Melbourne."

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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.

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