I for one have high expectations for coming season.
This can change during tests and after first races, but for now, i expect them to be title candidate from race one onward.
They have shown they can build a car Max loves to drive and where he can fight with. As long he is able to qualify on the first 2 rows he will be every GP fighting for the podiums and wins. But, it's the same as last year, he must get the points from race one, 1e or 3rd isn't the issue, just 5 podiums in first 6 races places them in the fight. Points he gets, others have less.
No disrespect toward Gasly, but i don't expect him to be near Max. But, he could surprise me, and i think he could make a great year if he could be in a position fight with Bottas, LeClerc and finish higher than p6 in the WDC.
It does look to me that the combi Honda/RBR is a far better operating combi than when they where with McLaren. The amount of resources and effort RBR has put to realize their goal "youngest wdc winner" Is huge, I think their that professional, driven and ambitious that they will at least come very close in realizing that goal.
Now waiting and hoping i'm right and we are not on P8 in the WCC after 5 races.