Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has continues to lay a path of positivity about the team's chances in 2019.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit had a strong pre-season reliability-wise but still lagged behind their main rivals in terms of distance and lap time.
Most estimates though do put the RB15 near Mercedes in terms of performance and Horner is confident that, thanks to Honda, his team is much better placed.
“It’s clear Ferrari, after the second test, look very strong,” the Briton told Sky Sports. “Mercedes are going to be there or thereabouts, they’re the reigning world champions so they’re not going to be slacking.
“I think we have definitely closed that gap. We will see not just in Melbourne because that’s a little bit of a unique track, but look over the first three races and then ask me again then how we’re faring.”
Also Read:
- Max Verstappen praises Honda, doesn't rule out Australian GP win
- Gasly looking past pre-season crashes and forward to a year of 'growing'
And Horner puts all of Red Bull's apparent improvement down to Honda and the enthusiasm their new partnership has brought.
“The engine change has stimulated the whole team – and particularly [chief designer] Adrian [Newey]," he continued.
“He sees that the engine is now getting closer and closer to the performance of the front-running teams and that’s really motivated him and he’s working very hard with all the guys and girls back in Milton Keynes.
“Hopefully we can look forward to a good season. Our job is to close that gap to Ferrari and Mercedes,” Horner concluded.
