F1: McLaren suspects Red Bull will have 2017 edge

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier suspects Red Bull will be the team to watch for the 2017 Formula 1 season given its design prowess.

Boullier feels the rules revolution for next year represents an opportunity for McLaren to make further progress, but has highlighted Red Bull in particular as a rival he is concerned will make big strides.

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"For me, I'm more scared of Red Bull than any of the others because I know they can develop a car," Boullier said.

Although McLaren is gaining momentum at present under the current rules, Boullier does not think the rules reset will hamper it.

"It's good we have this clean sheet of paper," Boullier added. "I know we can do a very good job. We were pushing for the change because we believe in our capability to deliver a good car, so maybe it's a way to close the gap even further.

"It's a new era. We are at the end of a cycle and you are trying to fine-tune performance everywhere.

"With different aerodynamics next year, with a bigger wing, a bigger floor, when you are used to finding one point a week in the wind tunnel, now you want 10, and it's 'wow!' because every time you try something it's a massive gain."

McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has gone so far as to suggest he could quit F1 if the cars failed to address his concerns about the current era. Boullier at least feels Alonso will be far happier with next season's cars and the greater cornering pace their downforce increase will permit.

"He will be happier," said Boullier of Alonso, "and not only him, but every driver in the pitlane. If you tell them tomorrow they will have a car that is four seconds faster, with more cornering speed, they will love it."

He also feels the regulations will allow the most talented drivers to show their skills.

"Next year there will be more difference between the driver talent because the car will be much faster in the corners," Boullier said. "You may end up with the better drivers being definitely better, the cream rising to the top."

Originally on Autosport.com