With no Mercedes engine, Horner plays down RBR’s 2015 chances

Horner

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has warned that it will be difficult for teams to catch up with Mercedes next year.

Mercedes dominated the 2014 season, winning 16 of the 19 races and claiming pole 18 times as they secured the double with Lewis Hamilton winning the Drivers' Championship.

With no major rule changes for next year coupled with the deadlock in talks over the possible lifting of the engine freeze, Mercedes are expected to once again have a clear advantage over their rivals.

Although Red Bull's engine partner Renault is expected to improve their power units, Horner fears Merc's lead could be too big to overcome.

"We are not writing off next year but, for sure, there is a gap there," he is quoted as saying by Autosport.

"And, from what we hear, the performance gains that Mercedes are bringing next year, it is going to be a massive challenge to reduce that.

"Renault can make an inroad but I think it would be unlikely to match this year's [Mercedes] engine.

"I think we can get closer to it, but Mercedes are not going to stand still and Ferrari are in a similar situation. It is very tough when the engines are frozen at the end of February." Planet F1