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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes that Red Bull are likely to challenge Mercedes for the drivers and constructors titles in 2017.
As F1 goes through another regulation change, Red Bull are favourites to produce a car that will end Mercedes' three years of dominance. Red Bull won four consecutive drivers and constructors titles from 2010 to 2013.
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However, when we entered the V6 Hybrid era in 2014, Mercedes pulled well ahead of the field and after claiming three victories in 2014 at the hands of Daniel Ricciardo, they slumped to fourth in the standings in 2015.
They returned to winning ways in 2016 with victories at Spain and Malaysia and Horner is hoping for many more in the upcoming season.
"It feels like we are building momentum. 2016 has been all about building that momentum and there is a feeling of real optimism within the team that if we can nudge a bit closer on the engine…chassis we are hoping to come up with a good car to give our guys the tools to fight Mercedes next year," Horner told Sky Sports F1.
When the 2009 regulation change came into effect, Red Bull went from a midfield team to championship contenders, with Horner mentioning this as motivation for going forward.
He also said that nobody knows where the opposition are in terms of progress and it is a blank sheet of paper for all teams.
"2017 is a clean sheet of paper and no one knows where the opposition are. We've been quite good with regulation changes before, but nothing can be taken for granted," he added.
"We are hoping similar progress can be made with the engine and if that happens I think we have two very capable drivers of taking the fight to Mercedes.
"Mercedes will be the favourites heading into next year, but if we can narrow that gap down and put them under a bit of pressure it would be great for everyone."
The improved aerodynamics will increase cornering speeds which Horner thinks will once again test a driver's strength and focus.
"The car is more physical, it is quite a bit faster and it is getting back to being a man's car like Brundle and Herbert drove in their day. They look aggressive, they are wider, they produce more downforce - it is going to sort the men out from the boys. High-speed corners like Turn Three at Barcelona… I think these cars are going to be really impressive."
Fergal Walsh
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