F1: Horner says 2014 one of RBR's best years

Red Bull boss Christian Horner reckons his team's achievements in finishing a distant runner-up to Mercedes in 2014 arguably eclipse its run of four consecutive Formula 1 world titles.

The squad endured a disastrous pre-season testing program thanks to cooling problems and unreliability, but recovered to win three races with Daniel Ricciardo and finish second in the constructors' championship.

Red Bull-Renault won more than half the races it started during a remarkable run of drivers' and constructors' championships between 2010 and '13. But Horner said its success in adversity under F1's new V6 hybrid turbo engine regulations this year ranked just as highly.

"In some respects it has been one of our biggest achievements in the past five or six years," Horner told AUTOSPORT. "We started the season so poorly and we were on the back-foot with car unreliability and with the power unit in such a disastrous state."

He said Red Bull had proved it could succeed through stealth and racecraft rather than just dominating with a superior car.

"Look at how strategically strong we have been," said Horner.  "If you look back at Austin, ours was not the fastest car, but we were still able to beat teams that arguably should have beaten us on the day. Through strong team work and everybody doing their bit we have managed to deliver some phenomenal results.

"I think to have recovered like we did, and to have won three grands prix and to be second in the championship, has been an amazing year."

Meanwhile Horner also confirmed to France's Auto Hebdo that supplier Renault is now working with Mario Illien and his engine development company Ilmor to squeeze more power out of the manufacturer's V6 turbos.

"It is great that Renault are now working with Ilmor," Horner said. "The company has been faced with similar problems in IndyCar. Mario comes with a lot of experience and is able to look at the problems with fresh eyes and perspective."

Horner added that Red Bull Racing is also playing an active role in helping Renault.

"I'm talking about modeling, simulation, optimization of airflow, things like that – areas where we have some experience and we can help," he said.