Horner denies eyeing Toro Rosso's Key

Jul.14 (GMM) Christian Horner insists Red Bull will not simply poach the increasingly-lauded designer James Key from the junior team Toro Rosso.

It has become increasingly clear in 2015 that, with Adrian Newey having taken a step back in 2015, Red Bull has been outpaced in the chassis department this year by Toro Rosso -- the sister team with a much smaller budget.

In fact, rookie Max Verstappen thinks the Key-designed STR10 is one of the three best chassis on the grid.

"In general, on the high downforce tracks, we are strong compared to Red Bull," the Dutchman is quoted by UOL Esporte.

Because of Renault's engine problems, however, Toro Rosso - and Red Bull - are having to compensate by tweaking the downforce levels.

"We have to highlight our strength, which is downforce, which is very difficult for us especially on tracks like Canada and Austria," Verstappen said.

"Mercedes, whether they run more or less downforce, they are strong on the straights anyway."

But the starkest comparison is between Red Bull and Toro Rosso, given the big difference in budget, and the experience and pay of the drivers.

Red Bull chief Horner, however, said he has "no interest at all" in simply poaching what may be the secret to Toro Rosso's surprisingly-good 2015 car -- its designer Key.

"We have a strong technical team," Horner insisted to F1's official website.

"Adrian is still involved in all the things that are going on and with Rob Marshal, Pierre Wache and Dan Fallows we have a strong technical group -- so no desire to change anything," he added.

"Unfortunately the element that has the biggest effect on our competitiveness is one we are not in control of," said Horner, referring to the Renault power unit.