Horner concedes championship "distraction" could cause F1 "shakeup"

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has conceded the "distraction" of fighting for the world championship last year could open the door to "one or two surprises" in the coming season.

Red Bull and Mercedes went toe to toe across the 2021 campaign with both the drivers' and constructors' world titles going the 22-race distance.

Although both teams claimed to have switched their development programmes to focus on the new-for-2022 regulations, Horner revealed it was 'inevitable' that the championship battle provided a level of distraction.

Speaking to Indian broadcaster WION, Horner explained: “I think there could be a shakeup in the order.

"You could see teams like Ferrari, McLaren, maybe even one or two surprises, because it’s a complete reset of the regulations and ourselves and Mercedes were very much involved in last year’s championship fight.

“So inevitably, that takes a little bit of distraction and emphasis away from the following year.

“We expect to have some very fierce competition out there this year and I think it is going to be an exciting championship ahead.”

Red Bull ended last year over 250 points clear of third-placed Ferrari and 28 behind constructors' champions Mercedes.

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