Horner optimistic about Red Bull's 2019 title chances

Red Bull chief Christian Horner has praised his "phenomenal" team for their efforts in the 2018 Formula 1 season, and is hoping that with their continued dedication, and new engine providers Honda injecting that extra dose of power, they could challenge for the title in 2019.

Horner's outfit are currently third in the constructors' championship behind the winners, Mercedes, and Ferrari, while Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are fifth and sixth respectively in the driver rankings.

They have suffered numerous engine reliability issues this campaign using Renault power units, with Ricciardo in particular suffering from eight DNF results.

The decision was made midway through the season that the French manufacturer would be ditched in favour of Honda, who already power Red Bull's junior team, Toro Rosso.

Horner is of the opinion that if Honda can give them more power, they already have the infrastructure in place to mount a championship assault.

It's the final countdown ???? We're set for the season finale ???? ???????? #givesyouwings pic.twitter.com/7GjJO5XDRw — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 19, 2018

"We have a phenomenal team which can create a great car. As soon as we can get that little bit more horsepower, which it looks like Honda are delivering, then hopefully we can give them a hard time at every circuit," said the Brit.

"We have had a great car through this year. Our problem has been qualifying and straight-line performance. If we manage to address that, and all the numbers are looking encouraging, then it puts us in a stronger position."

Red Bull have already secured third place in the constructors' championship ahead of the last Grand Prix of the season this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

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