No engine parity for Renault

Red Bull et Renault F1 have asked the FIA ​​for a waiver for the Losange's engine to be improved so that its power matches the other engines in the field. If the other teams have given their agreement for the development freeze to be unblocked, in order to resolve this situation, Mercedes still refuses to follow the other teams. The star manufacturer knows full well that this ban can only be lifted by a unanimous vote.

This refusal deeply bothers the men of Red Bull, who are in a fight in particular with McLaren (Mercedes engine) for the world title. “ The situation is frustrating », commented Helmut Marko on laola1.at. " Renault lost around three tenths per lap, but we still haven't received the green light. We first need an arrangement with FOTA, but Mercedes is still opposed to it. »

The star manufacturer explains its refusal by asserting that the low power of the Renault engine is notably compensated by lower consumption, an essential fact for regulations which prohibit refueling during races. The time loss of three tenths of a second mentioned would therefore not exist. But this parameter depends on the configuration of the circuits. The Renault engine performs well on city circuits (triple of the Renault engine at the Monaco Grand Prix) where the engine's power is less required.

But the Spa-Francorchamps circuit has a completely different track. Its long straights impose heavy loads, and the new F-Duct released by Renault F1 will be very useful to compensate for the power deficit. Unless the rain comes to call everything into question.