The Canadian GP, ​​a “revealer” for Renault

The 6l turbo/hybrid V1.6 Renault Sport F1 is making progress but reliability concerns still remain present as the Monaco Grand Prix demonstrated with the retirements of Sebastian Vettel and Jean-Éric Vergne. “We will introduce new developments in Canada, primarily designed to improve reliability.”, explains Rémi Taffin, the director of on-track operations of Viruses-Châtillon. “We have in particular the breakdown on the car of Vettel, and identified its origin: it came from a mechanical problem located at the MGU-H. The part in question was examined again, then we reinforced the controls at the end of the line to make the component more robust. With Toro Rosso, we analyzed in detail the exhaust problems that the team experienced, and saw how we could prevent these problems from recurring in the future. We have refined our diagnosis and improved our overall understanding of the exhaust system and its behavior within the car. »

With its long straight lines, the Gilles Villeneuve circuit should be well suited to bouldering Mercedes. The Canadian Grand Prix will therefore be a good test for Renault Sport F1 which had indicated earlier in the season that the delay would be erased in Montreal. “The circuit has only a few corners; it will be difficult to recover energy when braking via the MGU-K, the drivers rarely taking their foot off during a lap”, adds Rémi Taffin. “Therefore, the focus will be on the MGU-H which will harvest energy from the exhaust gases. In Canada, we will really be flirting with the limit of fuel consumption and will need as much energy as possible. That being said, we will make sure to find the right balance between electric energy and traditional gasoline to choose the best way to use fuel during the race... We must certainly demonstrate realism and humility, but this Grand Prix will be an excellent one. revealing to see to what extent we were able to bounce back after delicate winter tests as well as the work that remains to be accomplished. »