Renault have readied their B-spec 2018 engine to be introduced in Montreal but doubt has been cast if Red Bull would use that.
After Daniel Ricciardo won Monaco Grand Prix, the paddock was awash with the expectation that he might challenge Lewis and Sebastian for the title showdown.
Red Bull also believed that they could challenge Mercedes at Montreal as they expect Renault to bring engine upgrades for the Canadian Grand Prix. Red Bull’s team Principle Christian Horner expects small but hugely important updates that would help them challenge the front runners.
According to a report by Skysports.com, Renault have readied their B-spec engine to be introduced at Canadian Grand Prix. Renault expect to close the gap to Mercedes with this upgrade.
Confirming the news Renault’s technical director Nick Chester said, “there’s a B-spec engine for Canada and we’re looking forward to that, as it should bring a bit more performance.”
Team boss Cyril Abiteboul added: “We have the next stage of our power unit development scheduled and a number of aero and mechanical upgrades (to Renault’s works car).”
Doubt has been cast by Renault Chief if all the six cars using Renault engine would get this B-spec engine, in particular, Red Bull, despite assurances the Milton Keynes team will eventually receive the upgrade.
Cyril earlier told Autosport, “I think we have six engines available, subject to the last event on procurement in the supply chain.
“That’s the plan, but not sure it’s actually the best to introduce it in all six cars, in particular, Red Bull.
“We need to look into that. We always work in partnership with teams, trying to do the best for the overall season result.
“It’s a small gain in power, although we know we won’t be the only one,” he added further.
It is to be seen what turn the relationship between Renault and Red Bull takes if latter doesn’t get the upgraded engine. Red Bull is also in talks with Honda to supply them engine for next year, and this latest episode might well expedite the whole process.
While I thoroughly enjoy reading some of the articles that I find on this page… This is just another of those disappointing ones. If you are going to transfer information from other reporting sites and interviews, then please do not leave out valid information that changes the whole scope of the story… This article would leave you believing that Renault are considering leaving RB out to dry with upgrades.
The original information will give you a small insight as to why that might be and that it will likely be a decision made by both Renault and customers….
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Renault will travel to Montreal with an ungraded engine in its bags but the manufacturer has yet to decide who among its works drivers and customer teams gets the new unit.
Both Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne are on the penalty bubble following engine element failures earlier this year, while Fernando Alonso and Renault works drivers Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg still have a one-element margin before a grid drop kicks in.
“We have a new spec engine,” Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.
“We have yet to confirm the introduction, because the mileage is not the same across all cars, so we will see where and when exactly we will introduce that new spec.
“I think we have six engines available, subject to the last event on procurement in the supply chain.
“That’s the plan, but not sure it’s actually the best to introduce it in all six cars, in particular Red Bull.
“We need to look into that. We always work in partnership with teams, trying to do the best for the overall season result.”
Abiteboul said the new-spec unit’s gains will be marginal, slightly boosted by an updated internal combustion engine.
“It’s a small gain in power, although we know we won’t be the only one,” said the Renault Sport F1 boss.
“It’s mainly in the ICE that we can expect more power. This has to be the focus, and it will be the focus for all of this year, and maybe next year.”