Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies expressed confidence that the recent technical updates have significantly narrowed the gap to their primary rivals.
"The most satisfying element was the pace," said Mekies.
Mekies acknowledged that development must continue at a rapid pace to sustain a championship challenge.
"We know we need more as our competition will continue to bring updates but we are now within the last tenths needed to be on top of the podium," he said.
He also evaluated the outright speed of the leading drivers during the competitive race distance.
"I think it is fair to say Kimi Antonelli was the fastest guy out there and perhaps Max Verstappen was a little faster than George Russell," said Mekies.
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Antonelli Extends Championship Lead Despite Mistakes
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place despite battling early brake issues and track excursions.
"I was a bit too excited in the first laps and definitely didn't drive well.
Too many mistakes and even in the first stint with the medium, I lost 3-4 seconds with mistakes," said Antonelli.
The Italian rookie reset his approach after the first pit stop window, matching the pace of the leaders in the final stint.
"I was struggling with the brakes but after we changed tyre I reset and the pace at the end was very strong.
It was a shame I joined the party a bit too late," he said.
