Red Bull – Renault: Returning to Mercedes’ Level in 2015

Following the difficulties at the start of the season for the French engine manufacturer, Red Bull wanted significant changes. After extensive internal research with Renault, it was decided to create a division for the technical support of Red Bull: « We are currently in the process of strengthening technical cooperation to compete at the level of Mercedes in 2015, » explained Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s special advisor, to the official F1 website.

« In the long term, we are currently discussing how to cooperate on a larger scale over a longer period, » he adds. Until now, Red Bull was a client of Renault, just like the other teams. From now on, it will be the main partner to improve the integration of power unit components. The goal is to get closer to what Mercedes and Ferrari can do, as they have their own teams.

« Remember: this year we had four engine adaptations for the chassis [one per team, editor’s note], » states Marko. « Next year there will be only one, the one that Red Bull Racing created with Renault, and the others will have to adopt it. » In 2015, the diamond brand will thus equip Red Bull, Toro Rosso, and Caterham. Lotus might switch to a Mercedes engine. « It’s the most efficient solution. Mercedes proves that this model works very well, they have only one version of the power unit. »

In Singapore, discussions took place with Renault and all its customer teams about what they need to do to improve their cooperation. Many topics were discussed: « The way we can improve the powertrain in 2015, » explains Marko, « The way to improve reliability and the way to improve service and track behavior. »

Engine manufacturers have the right to modify 48% of the power unit components during the off-season. However, improving integration into the chassis will allow for additional gains.