Current manager of Red Bull Racing Formula One team, Christian Horner, is skeptical about Renault’s ability to deliver more power from their hybrid V6 turbo before the end of the season.
In aftermath of a poor start to the year (a single podium in four races), the introduction of a pack of major evolutions in Barcelona had given a boost to the RB13, allowing in particular Daniel Ricciardo to get on the podium.
A first positive step unfortunately remained unanswered after Renault gave up a second important development in view of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
This did not prevent the Milton Keynes chassis from continuing to progress from the aerodynamic point of vies despite a lack of power still latent against giants Mercedes and Ferrari.
“The car is progressing more and more in race conditions,” Horner said. “We have seen that in qualifying in Budapest, Max [Verstappen] was the second fastest in Q1 and Q2 without being able to confirm at the end of the race.
At this advanced stage of the season, the Briton doubts the French powertrain can make further progress in terms of performance since the engine manufacturer of Viry has already switched a large part of their resources on 2018.
“I think that a little conversation is necessary without our engine manufacturer, to better understand their development strategy,” Horner said.
On the other hand, it’s been a frustrating time for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen before the summer break approaches. However, he expected a good positive result at second half year.
Max Verstappen is expected good result for second half of the year with Red Bull. (Source:www.verstappen.co.nl)
“It’s been an interesting season so far,” Verstappen said. “Of course, the retirements are not positive, but in general I think we have to be happy with the performances. Perhaps we expected a bit more but it is show it is and you make the best of the situation.
“To be honest, it feels like I’ve been here a long time! Hopefully we can get up to 250 or something like that!” he added.
When asked about his preparation for second half of the year, the Dutchman said: “Of course, we’re always trying to improve. Hopefully the updates will push us further forwards. The aim is to be closer to the front, getting things ready for next year, challenging the leaders.”
