Abiteboul: “Being in this situation is scandalous”

The first Grand Prix of the season was very difficult for Renault…Is it just a matter of electronics?

It's a matter of complexity of settings of a supercharged thermal engine, aggravated by the contributions of electrical energy recovery... The fact of having started this season with many technical developments, some very late, n I'm not a stranger to it either... I'm not looking for excuses. The others get there, we don't. Being in this situation is scandalous, frustrating, sad.

Toro Rosso et Red Bull Are they in the same boat when it comes to your engine problems?

Yes. Added to this, for Red Bull, are some chassis difficulties which do not help the situation. In particular the lack of stability of the rear axle. The two combined make for difficult machines to pilot.

Is it hard to hear Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey say that his car's only problem is its Renault engine?

Yes, It's hard to have a partner who lies. Adrian is a charming gentleman and an outstanding engineer, but he has spent his life criticizing his engine partners. He's too old to change.

Discover the full interview with Cyril Abiteboul in issue 2004 of AUTOhebdo, available since Monday evening digitally available on all platforms, and on newsstands from Wednesday.