Red Bull promised "absolute engine parity" - Horner

Following a rough patch in their relationship after struggling in 2015, Red Bull and Renault decided to continue their partnership in 2016, albeit re-badging the power units with the TAG Heuer name.

After being one of the most improved teams this year, Red Bull extended the deal with Renault through 2018.

Although the French manufacturer expects its own works team to take a significant step forward next season, Horner insists there is no doubt Red Bull will continue to get the exact same engines as the Enstone outfit.

"We have the guarantee of absolute parity – and setting that benchmark is great for them to be able to evaluate themselves against," Horner said.

"They are in a building process and will have an immediate reference of what their engine is capable of."

Horner reckons the problems Renault had during the 2015 season acted as a catalyst that kicked off a new era of progress that he hopes will result in having one of the best engines on the grid.

"I think things have changed internally on the engine side," said Horner. "After the difficulties we had last year, that was actually the catalyst for positive change and that change has happened – and the benefit we are starting to see over the course of this year.

"So long as that continues then hopefully it should put us into an area within the next 12 months of where we were with the V8s – within a couple of percent of the best engine.

"And as far as their own team is concerned, I think we are a great benchmark for them."

Additional reporting by Jonathan Noble