Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Sebastian Vettel insists Red Bull is still a Formula 1 title contender, with a major engine upgrade planned for the Austrian Grand Prix set to boost his ambitions.

Although the German lost more valuable points thanks to a retirement in Monaco last weekend, he thinks the progress the team has made, allied to what is coming for the next few races, gives him reason for optimism.

"Mathematically we are right in there", Vettel told Austrian media during an event at the Spielberg circuit on Tuesday.

"We are looking at the situation race-by-race. Of course it did not go well recently but we are looking forward to the next races.

"For sure we made progress and this proves we are on the right path. We won't be favourites in the near future, but over a race distance, anything can happen.

"There are always reasons for setbacks, and I do not believe in bad luck. We just have to sort the problems out."

TASK FORCE WORKING ON AUSTRIA UPGRADE

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko revealed that a major improvement from Renault is scheduled to be ready for the Austrian GP, which takes place on June 22.

"We have a task force of Toro Rosso, Renault, and us, working together closely and trying to find solutions together, which we surely will do," said Marko.

"We will not stop developing the RB10 further so we can concentrate on 2015 already. We will stay focused on 2014."

FERRARI TEST

Vettel also drove a 1988 Ferrari F1 87/88C during the event on Tuesday, although photos were banned as it formed part of a exclusive promotional event for Red Bull.

"It was fantastic," he said. "A completely new experience with gear shifting, clutch, no electronics, a different seat position - and the power.

"I wish I could have done more laps."