The Milton Keynes-based outfit had been pursuing an engine deal with Ferrari after talks with Mercedes collapsed last summer.

But both manufacturers were reluctant to get involved with a deal because of competitive concerns, and in the end Red Bull did a deal to run rebranded Renault engines.

Having started the season stronger than it expected, Red Bull took spot on the front row in China with Daniel Ricciardo and ended Mercedes and Ferrari's lock out of the podium finishes with Daniil Kvyat.

For Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne, the fact that Red Bull has already shown potential to beat it with a less powerful engine, proves that his company was right to block an engine deal.

"We would have made an enormous mistake," explained Marchionne about the prospect of having supplied Red Bull with engines.

"That said, they should not be in front of us, and this confirms the mistakes made [in qualifying]."

Three-way fight

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff had been adamant from the outset that a deal with Red Bull was not in his team's best interests.

But after seeing what Red Bull was capable in China, as Ricciardo led early on, he actually welcomed the possibility of a three-way fight for wins from now on – because it could help hold Ferrari back

"If you look at the pace they have [in the race], it is very strong," he said. "It would be good if they bounce back, considering that Ricciardo lost his race with the puncture.

"You can imagine that he would have given Vettel quite some competition. So looking at this weekend, they seem to have gained quite some performance."

Additional reporting by Roberto Chinchero