Christian Horner reveals huge Mercedes and Ferrari ‘rumours’

Mercedes are set to introduce a new concept at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner isn’t taking the Austrians’ 58-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship “for granted”, with the Briton having heard “rumours” that Mercedes and Ferrari are set to make huge strides towards them.

It has been an unbelievable start to the 2023 F1 season for the Milton Keynes-based team, with the side having won all three races so far this season with complete control.

If that wasn’t enough, Red Bull have claimed two 1-2 finishes from the opening three races, the fastest lap twice, and have started on pole at every round this year.

They’ve obliterated the competition so far this season, with Ferrari and Mercedes currently having no answer to the RB19.

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Aston Martin have been the only team to have come within a reasonable distance of the Austrians, mostly thanks to double World Champion Fernando Alonso.

With the championship fast approaching the European rounds, though, things could be about to change drastically, with Ferrari and Mercedes both planning huge upgrades.

It’s been reported that Mercedes will introduce a new concept at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, whilst Ferrari are also set to take several “big updates” to their home race.

Red Bull are seemingly aware that things could change when the championship reaches Imola, meaning the Austrians are remaining firmly on their toes.

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“A lot of things could change,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.

“There are rumours of big updates for Mercedes and Ferrari once we get to Europe.

“We don’t take anything for granted. That’s why we try to do the best possible job to the extent possible.”

Some have been left surprised at just how good the RB19 is, given that Red Bull do have a 10-percent reduction in permitted aerodynamic research following their 2021 budget cap breach.

The penalty will likely have a bigger impact on the team come mid-season, with the bulk of the RB19 having been designed before their budget cap penalty was implemented.

As a result, the fight at the front could suddenly become closer as the season reaches its close, with Horner recognising that their penalty “will have an impact” in the latter stages of the year.

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“Everybody’s got an opinion, and I think Everybody’s free to have an opinion,” Horner added

“The team have done a great job over the winter on limited wind-tunnel time that we’ve had to develop this car, and of course, that will have an impact later into the year and on next year.

“So on a snapshot of three races, I think it’s still hugely premature in [terms of] this season. There’s an awful lot of racing still to go.”