Horner: 2014 is a marathon, not a sprint

Red Bull Racing is preparing for a difficult start to the season with the RB10. With only 1705km covered during tests compared to nearly 5000 for Mercedes AMG F1 ou Williams F1 Team, the Milton Keynes team is aware that the reliability problems of the car and V6 Renault should not allow him to claim the front positions during the first races.

Christian Horner can only note the delay accumulated in Jerez and Bahrain. “The winter tests did not go at all as we wanted or hoped, but that will not change our challenge or dent our ambitions”, declared the Red Bull Team Principal. “We don't really know (if we can get through Q1 in Melbourne). We are aware that we do not currently have the speed to go after the Mercedes-powered teams, but we will have to see the situation in Melbourne. We will then see at what level is the slope that we must climb. I have confidence in the team and in Renault to achieve our objectives as soon as possible. »

However, the director of the Austrian structure still intends to see a rapid recovery in the situation which will allow Sebastian Vettel and Daneil Ricciardo to aim for the top places once reliability becomes effective. “We have enjoyed tremendous success over the last five years and we have a very talented group of people. It's the same group that made this car (the RB10) and I don't pay too much attention to what people say. We don't become stupid overnight. Just look at the number of working hours, it's impressive. Some are going to superhuman lengths to solve problems and ensure we are in the best possible position in Melbourne. It's more the start of a marathon than a sprint. »

The analysis of the latest winter tests in Bahrain carried out by our special correspondents can be found in issue 1950 of AUTOhebdo still available in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.