Mercedes admits Red Bull had the edge in Hungary
Mercedes acknowledged Red Bull’s improved pace at the 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix, with team figures suggesting the RB11 could have outpaced them with a stronger engine.
Mercedes conceded that Red Bull’s RB11 was the quicker car through key sections of the Hungaroring during the 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix, with team figures stating Red Bull would have been faster overall if not for their Renault power unit.
Red Bull had struggled earlier in the 2015 season, blaming much of its deficit on the Renault engine. However, after introducing chassis upgrades in Hungary, the team saw a marked improvement in handling and pace. Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat both finished on the podium, signalling a turnaround for the former champions.
Mercedes officials acknowledged the threat, with one unnamed source suggesting that Red Bull, with a Mercedes engine, would have outpaced them in Budapest. Team chairman Niki Lauda also admitted that Red Bull was quicker in several corners at the Hungaroring. The comments reflected a rare admission of vulnerability from the team that had dominated the season up to that point.
Red Bull’s chassis upgrades pay off
Red Bull’s technical staff had previously struggled to find a working setup, often spending extensive time adjusting the car to suit each circuit. In Hungary, Daniel Ricciardo reported that the RB11 required minimal setup changes after Friday practice, a sign of the effectiveness of the latest upgrades.
The improved handling allowed both Ricciardo and Kvyat to challenge Mercedes on race pace, capitalising on a circuit where outright engine power is less critical. The result was Red Bull’s first double podium of the year, raising hopes for a more competitive second half of the season.
- Red Bull’s handling improved markedly after Hungary upgrades.
- Mercedes recognised the RB11’s chassis strength, especially in corners.
- Renault engine performance remained the limiting factor for Red Bull.
Implications for the title fight
While Mercedes retained a strong championship lead, the Hungarian result highlighted the potential for Red Bull to disrupt the established order at circuits that favour chassis balance over engine power. The admission from Mercedes added weight to Red Bull’s claims that their main deficit was the Renault power unit, not the car itself.
For more on Red Bull’s ongoing engine situation, seeMarko says Red Bull's engine struggle could spark F1 change.
