Christian Horner happy with "really encouraging" Red Bull 2019 evolution

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has said that he is "happy" with the progress that has been made by his team so far this season but admits that they are still a long way off Mercedes. Max Verstappen is currently third in the driver's championship ahead of both Ferrari drivers. Heading into Monaco, where Red Bull typically do well, things are looking positive for the team.

"We are very happy with the progress that’s being made," Horner said to F1i.com. “Considering where we were at the pre-season tests eight or nine weeks ago, to have closed that gap [to Mercedes and Ferrari] and put that performance on the car is really encouraging."

The Red Bull boss is still aware that they are a long way from championship winning form.

"We are not at our optimum yet in terms of where we would like to be with these new regulations and construction of tyre," he said."Obviously now we have to try and focus on diminishing the gap further to Mercedes.”

With the performances from Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly will be feeling the pressure to perform and he will hope that he can surprise everyone with a strong result in Monaco.