Horner explains Red Bull dip in form

Red Bull Christian Horner concedes that the team has gone backwards in terms of competitiveness to start the 2019 Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen has secured two podium finishes so far, but has been unable to make an impression on Mercedes as they have marched to victory in every race so far.

Having switched Renault power units for Honda in 2019, Red Bull's performance in the early weeks of the season was of great interest.

They have remained comfortably ahead of the midfield pack, although Haas appear to be closing the gap, but fighting for race wins has eluded them so far.

With a change in aerodynamic changes laid down this year, Horner says it has not helped them continue the momentum of 2018, which Verstappen ended as perhaps the form driver on the grid.

But Horner told Speed Week: "We are not as competitive as we were at the end of last season for a number of reasons."

Pirelli's new "stiffer" tyres are a factor, according to Horner, who added: "The combination of that and the new aerodynamic concept did not help us.

"Changing the front wing concept is a difficult business and we need some time to be faster. But we are on the right track.

"It's always about evolution in Formula 1. We are steadily gaining ground on the chassis side, Honda is making progress with the engine, and reliability is very good compared to previous years.

"But our opponents are not resting either. Ferrari had a new engine in Spain, Renault too, and Mercedes will do it in Canada.

"We have no influence on what they do, but we are satisfied with our own programme."

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