Horner agrees with rival Brown in Hamilton Ferrari verdict

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner sees Lewis Hamilton as a key contender in the upcoming F1 title fight.

Hamilton has made the switch to Ferrari this year, partnering Charles Leclerc during his first season in red.

The seven-time champion enjoyed the bulk of his success at Mercedes, however, his last handful of years were spent competing lower in the pecking order as the Brackley-based squad struggled for form.

McLaren team boss Zak Brown has already labelled Hamilton as a player in the championship battle this year.

Horner has concurred with Brown's assessment as Red Bull look to have its own say in the upcoming battle.

“I think that if he gets off to a good start and he gets the team behind him, and he finds his confidence, and he rides off that energy, then I can see him becoming a real contender in this championship,” Horner told media including RacingNews365.

“But I think so much will depend on how he gels with the team in that early part of the season.

“We all know what Lewis is capable of, and if he’s re-energised in a different environment, absolutely, I think he could be a real factor this year.”

Max Verstappen is looking to clinch his fifth consecutive F1 title this year with Red Bull.

The Milton Keynes-based squad dropped to third in last year's constructors' standings and has promoted Liam Lawson to its line-up in the hope of a boost up the order.