While Red Bull have struggled during pre-season testing, their Brackley-based rivals and all the Merc-powered teams have been in top form with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg leading the way.
Horner, a man who knows a thing or two about dominating the sport as his squad have won the double the past four seasons, believes Mercedes will be the ones to beat, and he fears they could win by two laps.
"You could well see more of it [domination]," he said. "Perhaps not from us, but from Mercedes.
"Looking at Mercedes' race simulation, it wouldn't be a surprise if they finished two laps ahead of everyone in Melbourne. They have a massive advantage. What we know about Lewis is that he is extremely talented and naturally fast. And he's in a good team, so he's probably got to be the favourite going into the season."
He added on the Daily Mail: "Nico and Lewis - those two are favourites. Last season they were an equal pairing, so one assumes early on the competition will just be between them. They will have the other Mercedes-powered teams giving them a battle so they won't be able to let up."
from: planetf1.com
