02 Nov 09 11:18
Gallery: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009
Britain's Lewis Hamilton says he is optimistic he'll be right in the title hunt next season but he'll face a strong challenge from the Red Bull Racing drivers.
Hamilton's late-season charge this year suggests the omens are good for 2010 but Red Bull Racing also says it will be a title challenger following its hat-trick of wins at the season's close.
The outgoing world champion said: 'Bit by bit we are getting there. We have been focusing on next year's car for some time now so we should be quite strong.'
However, Red Bull Racing has reason to be bullish following its trio of victories in the last three races. Sebastian Vettel's dominant win in Abu Dhabi was the icing on the cake after the team's crushing triumphs in Japan and Brazil.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner told Autosport.com: 'We have learned a great deal from this championship and it will make us stronger as a group. We have got a secret weapon - and it is called Adrian Newey. He has produced a brilliant car this year. We did not start this year's car early, and there are a lot of lessons that will go from this year's car into next year's car.'
Red Bull Racing's biggest challenge for 2010 is to tie up an engine deal. Currently its cars use Renault engines but the team is chasing Mercedes-Benz for its powerplants. If that does not happen, though, the team could remain with Renault or switch to Cosworth.
Photo: GUILLAUME BAPTISTE/AFP/Getty Images
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