Adrian Newey is still involved with the design of Red Bull’s F1 cars, team boss Christian Horner says.
Newey, arguably the most highly-rated technical brain in F1 history, has taken a step back from the front-line.
But as Red Bull prepares to debut its new car for 2016, Horner insisted: "He (Newey) keeps a close eye on the car. But it’s less about the detail and more an overview.
"The technical team continues to develop and increase in confidence," he said in an interview with France’s L’Equipe.
Nonetheless, Horner said he expects Mercedes to come out next week with the strongest package for the third consecutive season.
And he tips Lewis Hamilton to also win a third title on the trot, even though it was silver-clad teammate Nico Rosberg with the strongest form late in 2015.
"How high was Lewis’ motivation in those last few races?" Horner wondered.
"He’s had a winter off to go away and reflect. With successive championships, he absolutely starts the season as the man to beat."