Despite Lewis Hamilton & Co.’s Massive Step Forward, Christian Horner Snubs Mercedes to Pick Another Rival as Biggest Threat

For years Red Bull was trying to challenge Mercedes’ supremacy in F1. It was only when 2021 came along, they gave the fans a brilliant rivalry. Although since the ground effect rules went into effect in 2022, the Austrian constructor is the only team that has prevailed. Mercedes has tried to unsuccessfully bridge the gap with them. Despite the Silver Arrows making progress, Christian Horner has opted to concentrate on a different rival as the biggest threat.

Mercedes implemented some significant modifications shortly after retaining the persistent issues from last year. As a result, the squad has started to take inspiration from the Red Bull’s RB19. The German team has a lot more work on its hands before the new package can perform to its fullest. Nevertheless, following their outstanding performance at the Spanish GP, where they brought modifications like a new floor, sidepods, and new suspension, Lewis Hamilton and Co. promised to keep improving & closing the gap to Red Bull. Yet, Christian Horner is not breaking a sweat on his old foe’s resurgence.

He instead disparages Mercedes while claiming Aston Martin, who is leaning on its own concept, to be Red Bull’s biggest headache. Prior to Mercedes entering the fight, the Silverstone team was the closest rival to the Milton Keynes team and has won the second most podiums.

Before this, Aston had already added Dan Fallows from Red Bull while also hiring many other staff members from the Austrian constructor. Speaking with Spanish network DAZN, Horner remarked, “There are a lot of new guys there; they’ve nicked a few guys from us. For us, I think the team we’re most keeping an eye on for the future is the Aston team – because you can see they have a strong energy.”

Other teams have attempted to snatch personnel away from Christian Horner and his group. And now that his wingman, who has been with the Austrian team since 2006, would depart the squad next year, the Brit outlined the reason behind it. He also discussed how tough it could be to retain the personnel because of the budget cap rules.

READ MORE: Despite 103 Wins & 7 WDCs, Lewis Hamilton’s Supernatural Talent Belittled by Nemesis Max Verstappen With Brutal Reality Check

Christian Horner opens up on the difficulties amidst the exit of Red Bull’s Key Man

The FIA stepped in when it saw that the top F1 teams were splurging funds and constructing some top-notch equipment. Their involvement led to restrictions on the team budgets, allowing the smaller teams to catch up with the bigger ones. This has resulted in the top teams facing difficulties in retaining their top staff.

Following the recent revelation that Rob Marshall will join McLaren as Technical Director, Engineering and Design, in 2024, Christian Horner clarified the level of difficulty in handling the staff with a smaller budget cap. According to Sky Sports, the Briton remarked, ” You can’t carry anybody within the team, and I think that everybody has to warrant their place within the camp. Rob was focused on other projects in recent years, and the offer that McLaren made is probably half their cap!”

When questioned further about if the budget cap restriction will lead teams to take tougher salary measures. Horner responded to it by quoting, “You have to make sure it’s not a race to the bottom. The problem is that you have long-standing personnel that have contributed a significant amount, that you don’t want to see forced out of their roles because of the cap.”

Having said that, do you think Red Bull can ruin their own party by ignoring the rapidly approaching Mercedes and win the constructor’s title for a second straight year?

WATCH THIS STORY | Is McLaren Looking To Go With Red Bull on its Engine Round About?