Horner: Ferrari facing 'brutal' barrier to perform

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner believes rival Ferrari faces "brutal" pressure to perform when the new F1 season gets underway.

The Scuderia began the sport's current regulation set as the team to beat in 2022 but quickly lost ground to Red Bull and although Carlos Sainz was the only driver other than Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to secure a race win last term, Ferrari was unable to finish even second in the Constructors' standings.

Ferrari has failed to win any championship since taking the Constructors' in 2008, whilst Kimi Raikkonen was the last Drivers' World Champion for the team in 2007.

On how the team could factor in the battle for this year's honours, Horner told Sky Sports: "Ferrari is a different type of team, a national team.

"There is a pressure which comes with that and the Italian media is absolutely brutal and scrutinises every move. There is just huge expectation.

"Fred [Vasseur, Team Principal] is a capable guy and a racer and Ferrari is a big animal in F1.

"Expectation will be very high for them next year."

'Winning not about one person'

McLaren overcame a poor start to the season to finish last term as one of Red Bull's nearest challengers, eventually finishing fourth in the Constructors' standings following a late surge.

Former Red Bull Cheif Designer Rob Marshal has begun his new role with McLaren and whilst Horner thinks McLaren will be a threat, he downplayed the impact one person could make.

"I think McLaren had a great second half of the year," explained Horner.

"There were times when they were our closest competitor. They have strengthened their team and Rob will be an asset, but it's not just about one person. There are seven or eight hundred people in an F1 team and it needs the whole team to come together.

"With Lando (Norris) and Oscar (Piastri) - who was really impressive as a debutant - they could well be a factor next year."