Marko: Renault partly to blame for RB15 issues
- Published on 08 May 2019 13:37
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Red Bull team advisor Dr Helmut Marko says that its former engine supplier Renault is partly to blame for Red Bull's aerodynamic issues in 2019.
The energy drink squad has suffered from aero problems at the opening four races of the season, but insists that it will be introducing a fix at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
Red Bull split from Renault at the end of the 2018 season in favour of Honda, who spent 2018 with Toro Rosso. So far this year, Red Bull has picked up one podium finish, which came at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
MORE: Red Bull unveils brand new paddock energy station
Marko praised the Japanese manufacturer, saying to Auto Bild that "until now, the lack of downforce has been our problem".
"The design of the car was due to the lack of engine performance of our former engine partner, so we had to design for efficiency", Marko added.
"We have lost time in the corners, but Honda has significantly improved their performance and we can now react."
'Only Verstappen has been flawless'
Marko believes that Max Verstappen has been the only consistent driver so far this year.
After picking up a podium in Melbourne, the Dutchman followed it up with a series of fourth place finishes, splitting the Ferraris at the finish line in Bahrain, China and Azerbaijan.
MORE: Verstappen interested to see pecking order after Barcelona upgrades
Marko is confident that Verstappen is ready to fight for a world championship now that he is in his fifth year in Formula 1.
"Hamilton, Bottas, Vettel and Leclerc have all had their ups and downs," Marko commented.
"Only Max has been flawless so far and has always made the most of the car. Max has even done more than the real potential of the car.
"He is completely ready for the title. In Barcelona we now have to prove that we are too."
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Replies (16)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Oh Marko... look, I love bashing Renault, but Renault cannot be held responsible for your design this year lacking.
Vega23
Posts: 17
What a bloody crap excuse, you knew what engine was going in this year's car for a long long time!
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Yep. They are no more than silly allegations. He might as well blame Renault for Brexit, and failed Mars landing mission.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Pretty much. By the way: Renault caused the economic catastrophy in Venezuela, and did in fact force Erdogan to go through with the reelections with that totally valid reason which wasn't at all "oh, I didn't win, therefore it is invalid".
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Yep. From now on, i'm gonna blame Renault for everything wrong in my life.
denis1304
Posts: 284
It's response to Renault claim from a week a go that RB is "here" because of them... www.gptoday.net/en(...)or-red-bull-success
abhidbgt
Posts: 283
I think that while Renault's claim had some merit, this one has none.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think they are about even. The thing with Renault's comment is: could Red Bull have done just as well with another engine? And my answer to that would be yes. Red Bull got where they are thanks to good chassis development, not because of an exceptionally powerful engine. But what Red Bull designed for this year has nothing to do with Renault. The development of the chassis around the PU is between RB and Honda, Renault isn't connected to that. And Honda were early with providing dimensions and such for their 2019 spec PU, as confirmed by both Honda and Red Bull, so it was a mute point from Marko to begin with.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
There is a different word for it, its called "poor management".
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
I would say this shows early signs of senility but he's been saying stupid stuff like this for years. He's in for a rude awakening if that bubble he's living in ever bursts. Max has been driving well this year and even though I never thought I'd say it he looks like he's finally maturing in the car and in life. But he's not the only driver who has been driving consistently so far this season.
Sadtomato
Posts: 48
The good Dr Marko should be on the stage!
f1ski
Posts: 726
He has contracted the virus as Villeneuve
f1ski
Posts: 726
He has shititis
Patentprutser
Posts: 388
Hihi, he partly is right. In Bahrein Renault cost Max the podium ?
abhidbgt
Posts: 283
True that.
Biggs7
Posts: 38
I think what he's trying to say is: Because they've been with RB for so many years now they can't design their car around the Honda engine which demise aerodynamics performance. The blame should be on Adrian Newey not Renault.