Horner: Italian media absolutely brutal to Ferrari

Ferrari have been chasing an F1 Championship since 2008, when they last won the Constructors' Championship, while their last Drivers' Crown was in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen.

But since then, and apart from Brawn GP's sensational domination in 2009, Red Bull and Mercedes took turns in dominating the sport.

Red Bull won everything between 2010 and 2013 with Sebastian Vettel and are now dominating for the second season in a row, while Mercedes had a tight grip on the F1 Championship between 2014 and 2020, Lewis Hamilton losing out on the 2021 Drivers' Championship to Max Verstappen, which ended up being the year the tides have turned.

Within Red Bull's and Max Verstappen's utter dominance in 2022 and 2023, rivals have taken turns in challenging them, the latest being McLaren who ended the 2023 season with the second fastest car behind the energy drinks outfit.

Ferrari however challenged hard at the start of 2022, but then faded as that season progressed, while in 2023 they were worse and could only challenge on occasions, the highlight being Carlos Sainz's win at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Horner discussed Red Bull's rivals and their chances for 2024, he said: "I think McLaren had a great second half of the year.

"There were times when they were our closest competitor. They have strengthened their team and Rob [Marshall - Red Bull's former head of engineering] 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," he maintained.

As for Ferrari who had a turbulent start to the season with Mattia Binotto given his marching orders and replace by Frederic Vasseur, Horner commented: "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 scrutinise every move. There is just huge expectation. Fred (Vasseur) is a capable guy and a racer and Ferrari are a big animal in F1.

"Expectation will be very high for them next year," Horner reckoned, regarding the Scuderia's 2024 F1 campaign.