Daniil Kvyat tips Red Bull to catch Mercedes

Daniil Kvyat of Russia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on September 25, 2015
© Getty Images
Daniil Kvyat is expecting Red Bull to challenge F1 pacesetter Mercedes later in 2016.

Daniil Kvyat has said that he is expecting Red Bull to challenge Formula 1 pacesetters Mercedes later in 2016.

The Russian surprised with his podium finish in China last weekend, the day after teammate Daniel Ricciardo qualified on the front row of the grid.

"I believe the Red Bull is the best chassis on the grid," works Renault driver Kevin Magnussen told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.

With Renault expected to dramatically improve Red Bull's Tag Heuer-branded power unit in the coming weeks, Kvyat is confident of more podium finishes.

"Sunday's race has given us a lot of confidence," Kvyat is quoted as saying by Russia's Sportbox. "I think our pace was almost comparable to Ferrari's, and we have proved we are already the third team.

"Mercedes is still a long way ahead of us, but we are planning large updates around the Canada race.

"Perhaps they will allow us to compete on an even footing with Mercedes."

The season continues with the Russian Grand Prix on May 1.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner at Old Truman Brewery on February 17, 2016
Read Next:
Red Bull 'windshield' set for Sochi test
>