Red Bull see themselves as the first challenger to Hamilton

Red Bull go into 2020 with a sense of optimism following their 2019 exploits. Helmut Marko expects the constructor to be Mercedes' closest rival and believes Max Verstappen is ready for a title push.

Max Verstappen finished third in the Drivers' Championship last season, winning three races as well as achieving his first pole position. Despite there still being some questions regarding their second driver, Alex Albon Marko is confident that Red Bull are the best-placed team to challenge Lewis Hamilton.

"Mercedes with Hamilton is the favourite but we see ourselves as the first challenger," Marko told Kurier.

"We were already good last season but only from the middle of the season. That shouldn't happen to us this year.

"We have worked on all of our weaknesses so that we are ready and can attack immediately.

A new Verstappen

Marko also highlighted where Verstappen has improved in a bid to become a title challenger.

"He has put an end to his impatience - the winning at all costs attitude," he added.

"But if he wants to go for the championship, he also had to bring in a little diplomacy. Some conversations were necessary.

"Something like Mexico will never happen to him again."