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Christian Horner believes his Red Bull team is now right behind Formula 1 rival Ferrari and ready "to cause a bit of mischief" when it secures its engine upgrade.

Red Bull emerged as the surprise package of the last grand prix in China, with Daniil Kvyat third and Daniel Ricciardo qualifying second then leading before a tyre blowout - after which he recovered to fourth.

That has led rivals to tip Red Bull as a potential threat to champion team Mercedes.



"Mercedes - make no mistake - they're still a step ahead," said Horner.

"But we're snapping at the ankles of Ferrari.

"We know - hopefully - with what's in the pipeline, it should put us that bit closer."

Red Bull compromised its set-up in China to compensate for a straightline speed deficit in sector three, meaning its strong performance was achieved while light on downforce.

An upgrade for the team's TAG Heuer-badged Renault engines is due for the Canadian GP in June.

"Hopefully [in Canada] we can really start to cause a bit of mischief ahead of us," added Horner.

"Hopefully then we can run a more optimal set-up for the car, so there are some races that are going to suit us better than others.

"At a track like Shanghai we didn't expect to be competitive compared to the Williams, or certainly the Ferrari.

"But we turned up, qualified on the front row and came away with a podium after a really competitive race."

RICCIARDO HAPPIER WITH 2016 CAR

Ricciardo says this year's RB12 chassis is allowing him to attack again, having endured a lean 2015 following his breakthrough season and first three GP wins in '14.

"Our car this year compared to last year seems better, a bit better in traffic but also a better on the brakes," said Ricciardo.

"In 2014 it was good in traffic and on the brakes.

"I didn't think it was as good last year, at least the first part of the year.

"This year it seems like I can attack again. You can pick your line a little bit."

Asked if the car is good enough to win this year, the Australian said: "We are in a better position than in 2015 for that.

"The difference with '14 is that we were sort of a clear second for a majority of the time, but now we have got Ferrari in between us [and Mercedes].

"At this stage they are more likely to capitalise but we are much closer than last year.

"We are not quite in striking distance yet to capitalise, but probably come around Monaco/Montreal we should have a chance if something happens.

"There is a lot more potential in the car, definitely - we can race with it."