Horner pinpoints rival's KEY advantage over Red Bull

Christian Horner has identified one advantage Red Bull's rivals currently hold in the battle to be crowned Formula 1 constructors' champions.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit have dominated the sport since 2022, and are on track to add a third consecutive title this year.

F1 HEADLINES: Marko delivers 'STUPID' verdict on Red Bull star as F1 team boss set to be 'replaced'

READ MORE: FIA confirm F1 points change decision ahead of 'extraordinary' meeting

Spearheaded by reigning world champion Max Verstappen, the team currently sit on top of the 2024 standings, ahead of McLaren and Ferrari.

Despite still remaining the team to beat in F1, Red Bull have struggled to find the consistency this year which has served them so well in recent campaigns.

Though top of the drivers' championship, Verstappen has been some way off his best, including at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished P5.

The form of his team-mate Sergio Perez has also allowed their rivals to close the gap in recent outings, with McLaren in particular emerging as serious challengers to the Red Bull throne.

McLaren creating cause for concern

Oscar Piastri secured his first F1 win at the Hungaroring, one place ahead of Lando Norris, who has already proven his credentials with a run of podium finishes, following on from his sensational maiden win in Miami.

Horner has been impressed with the British team's progression, and believes their car's ability to perform at optimum level across a variety of circuit configurations suggests that it is currently a more versatile machine.

“I think their car is in a better window than ours at the moment, it’s perhaps easier or a broader window,” Horner admitted, as reported by MotorsportWeek.com.

“Our window seems to be very peaky, and that’s what’s making it difficult for the engineers, difficult for the drivers.

“I think we have to take the balance of the car and make that window broader as it’s so critical on temperature and all the relevant factors.

“And I think that’s something that the team are very aware of and working very hard on.”

READ MORE: Hamilton hints at ownership move in crazy F1 flex

“McLaren obviously have a lot of pace at the moment, they had a big score [at Hungary], and we need to start scoring big points from next weekend onwards,” Horner added.

“I think we’ve got more performance to bring, so as I say I think we need to expand that operating window for the car."

READ MORE: Major Ricciardo error admitted after angry team exchange

Related

Latest F1 News

Verstappen issues defiant update on Horner Red Bull FEUD

• December 15, 2024 11:56

Latest F1 News

Horner makes candid Red Bull statement following 2024 failure

• December 14, 2024 17:12