Hamilton could be even stronger, warns Red Bull chief

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has downplayed Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen's chances of closing the gap to Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel in 2018. Horner expects Mercedes to once again make improvements with their engine in their attempts to retain their titles.

Hamilton held off Vettel last year to move level on four world titles with the German, while Red Bull's stars were made to count the cost of a slow start to the campaign.

Horner has expressed familiar concerns over Red Bull's Renault engines ahead of the new season, suggesting the French manufacturer's focus on reliability will impact performance.

The Red Bull chief does not believe Hamilton had the benefit of the best car on the grid last year, highlighting how much of an impact the Mercedes engine has had.

"You have got to say Lewis is the favourite," he told Sky Sports.

"His season last year was immensely strong.

"I think Mercedes probably didn't have the best car last year.

"But I think between Lewis and obviously their weapon of an engine that they have got, they managed to really capitalise on that.

"And if they have made real progress with the chassis over the winter, Hamilton could be in an even stronger position this year.

"It's going to be fascinating to see how things pan out."