Verstappen, Ricciardo can go ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with Hamilton

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is assured both his drivers can battle for Formula 1 world titles if his squad can provide them with a car to take on Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel in 2018.

Horner has overseen another Red Bull resurgence in the second half of the season with the Milton Keynes-based squad outscoring Ferrari since the summer break with Verstappen taking two wins and a second place in the past four races.

Red Bull’s recent form has convinced Horner his team has the fastest car in race trim but accepts its early season pace denied it a shot at F1 world titles this year.

With an early switch to its 2018 preparations, including re-signing Verstappen on a fresh F1 deal, the Red Bull boss is hopeful of avoiding a repeat next season and feels he has two drivers capable of challenging for world championships.

“In Max and in Daniel, and in Sebastian Vettel, you’ve got some fantastic drivers who are able to go wheel to wheel [with Hamilton],” Horner said. “I feel confident that our drivers have the ability to do that, if we can give them the tools, to go shoulder to shoulder with him and hopefully that will be good for the sport.

“I think it’s right to congratulate Lewis on his fourth world championship. He’s now the most successful British driver, it’s a phenomenal achievement and one that we know how difficult it is to achieve having done it with Sebastian. He’s obviously right at the top of his game and I hope he will be around for a few years.”