Red Bull told of crucial focus areas to topple Mercedes 'strength'

Red Bull has been told of two areas it must focus on if it wants to compete against Mercedes' power unit this year.

Red Bull is entering its own engine for the first time in its history, developing it in association with Ford.

The Milton Keynes-based squad has noted on the scale of the challenge it has undertaken on multiple occasions, with the power unit making its first on-track appearance last week at the Barcelona shakedown.

Both Red Bull and Mercedes did not suffer any major complications at the test as they look to commence the sport's new era competing at the front of the field.

Speaking to Sky F1, Collins highlighted the early advantages that Mercedes possess heading into the upcoming season.

“The challenge for Red Bull vs Mercedes, there's going to be a few,” she said.

“The first one is in the reliability of that engine. Yes, it's ran these three days and we've not seen anything [wrong].

“But Mercedes running four cars is going to really build reliability numbers quickly on that engine, so that's one area they're going to have to look at.

“As well, Mercedes in the past, and one of the reasons that we thought they would be very strong, is their understanding of how best to deploy and get the most out of the energy you have available in that engine. 

“That has been a real strength for Mercedes when we got into this first hybrid era, and I think that will still be a strength for Mercedes.”

However, Collins has backed Red Bull to take the challenge to Mercedes, noting the importance Max Verstappen and his feedback will play in the development of the engine.

“So can Red Bull quickly enough learn the best way to get the most out of these engines and out of this era of formula,” he said.

“Max is very well placed to do that, a lot because of how much sim racing he does in the background. 

“[He is a] very, very intelligent driver. He will quickly start to give them feedback of where he thinks he should use the energy.

“But those are two areas that they're going to have to continue to work on to close that gap to Mercedes, if it's there.”