Repeat P4 finishes ‘getting a little bit boring’ for Red Bull

Red Bull Formula 1 chief Christian Horner says the team’s streak of fourth-place finishes is “getting a little bit boring” as it hopes to return to podium contention next weekend in Spain.

After finishing third at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took fourth place for Red Bull at the last three races in Bahrain, China and Azerbaijan, finishing behind two Mercedes drivers and one Ferrari on each occasion.

While Verstappen has failed to get in the fight for victory yet this year, Horner said he feels the gap to the front of the field has shrunk.

“I think we closed the gap since the beginning of the year,” Horner said.

“In Melbourne we had a strong race. I think Max was pushing Lewis [Hamilton] for the majority of that Grand Prix. Bahrain was a tough race for us but I think actually exposed some things that we’ve managed to improve since then.

“Then China has been a stronger race, and then again [in Baku], even more so, at a track that, you know doesn’t historically play to our strengths.

“So I think we’re looking forward to heading back to Europe now. A few circuits coming up that hopefully should suit us.”

Verstappen still sits ahead of both Ferrari drivers in the drivers’ championship thanks to his consistent run of results, albeit 36 points adrift of points leader Valtteri Bottas.

Asked if Verstappen could potentially mount a title challenge, Horner pressed on the importance of getting back on the podium.

“We’re at race four, I think he’s 36 points behind. It’s a long, long way to go in the championship,” Horner said.

“We just have to take it one race at a time. But three fourth positions in a row is getting a little bit boring now.

“We want to be fighting for the podium again.”