F1 | Red Bull, Horner: “We want to close the gap with Ferrari and Mercedes on all circuits”

Among the innovations characterizing the 2019 Formula One World Championship, which will start this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix which will be held at Albert Park in Melbourne, is the partnership between Red Bull and Honda.

The Milton Keynes team has in fact decided to embrace the cause of the Japanese engine manufacturer, ending the professional relationship with Renault which has yielded eight overall titles (4 constructors and as many drivers with Sebastian Vettel, ed.).

Chris Horner, in an interview given to the columns of La Gazzetta dello Sport, speaking about the objectives of the Anglo-Austrian team in 2019, said: “We want to close the gap with Ferrari and Mercedes on all circuits. Over the last five years we have been competitive on tracks where the power unit was less crucial (...). We would like to be able to get to Monza without having to give up fighting for the victory from the start".

On Verstappen, Red Bull's top driver, Horner underlined: “He has shown that he has the talent to fight wheel to wheel with Hamilton, Vettel or anyone else (...). His ability to manage tire wear in the race is extraordinary and he is one of the best fighters, if not the best, I don't think anyone wants to see Max in their mirrors. Hamilton in Red Bull? We prefer to invest in young people".

The team principal of Milton Keynes, on the renewal of the Concorde Agreement, said: “(…) In the agreements for 2021 there are fundamental aspects to discuss such as the cap on expenses and the position of the large manufacturers compared to independent teams".