BERLIN: Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel predicts a debacle for Red Bull unless they improve their car before the season opens at the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks.

"First of all, just getting to the finish would be a success," the German told broadcaster Servus TV.

Hard slog: Sebastian Vettel is downbeat about Red Bull's chances. Credit:AFP

"If half the drivers fail to finish, then maybe we could take a few points."

The 26-year-old is bidding for a fifth consecutive world title when the season kicks off in Melbourne on March 16, but endured a frustrating four-days of testing the new Red Bull car in Bahrain, which concluded on Sunday.