Horner hints at Red Bull’s biggest challenge remaining this year

Red Bull Team Principal has suggested that his squad’s dominant run this season could be challenged at the upcoming F1 Sprint events.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit has won 15 of the 16 races staged so far this year and clinched the Constructors’ Championship last time out in Japan.

Its dominant run has largely been spearheaded by Max Verstappen, who has 13 Grand Prix wins to his name so far this campaign.

Red Bull’s only loss came at Singapore, where it struggled to get up to speed - allowing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz the chance to snatch the victory.

However, it bounced back in strong form at the following round in Japan, with Verstappen securing the race win by almost 20 seconds.

Red Bull’s challenge

With just six rounds remaining in the calendar, Red Bull will be looking to conclude the campaign as strongly as it started it.

But half of the rounds will see the return of the F1 Sprint format, with Qatar, USA and Sao Paulo hosting the alternate schedule.

The format offers little time for teams and drivers to prepare their cars, which Horner suggested could leave Red Bull vulnerable.

“Honestly, I don't know,” Horner told media including RacingNews365.com when asked if another Singapore-like race could unfold this year.

“It’s impossible to predict. Obviously, Brazil was a struggle for us last year.

“We got a lot of sprint races coming up now, almost every other race is a sprint race.

“You get one session to sort your car out and that can put huge pressure.

“If you don't get quite in the right window after that P1, if you have a bit of rain or compromised session, that can make it very tricky.

“So that could be an interesting factor for the next races.”