Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has indicated his team are ready to take a few risks as they bid to get back into a position to challenge for podiums.

Red Bull enjoyed four years of domination before regulation changes were implemented ahead of the 2014 season, which saw them fall behind Mercedes.

Horner’s team were the Silver Arrows’ closest challengers in 2014 as Daniel Ricciardo was the only non-Mercedes driver to win a race, with the Australian securing three wins, but this year they have struggled.

Red Bull and Ricciardo’s best finish this season has been sixth, in Australia and Bahrain, while Daniil Kvyat has finished ninth twice.

Horner admits he is desperate to challenge for race wins and is now ready to throw “caution to the wind”, with the Red Bull boss urging engine suppliers Renault to adopt a similar approach as they bid to close the gap on the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Williams.

“I think we are nowhere near winning a grand prix,” Horner is quoted by F1i as saying. “We got lapped. Therefore, it is better to focus on getting performance because we are on the back foot anyway, we have nothing to lose by throwing caution to the wind.

“We are not in F1 to make up numbers, we want to compete at the front and if that means taking risks, that is our philosophy and that is what we encourage Renault to do as well.”