Renault Backs Red Bull to Find Form After Early 2015 Struggles
Renault's F1 operations chief says the team expects Red Bull to recover from a poor start to 2015, citing development potential on both engine and chassis.
Renault's Formula One operations director Remi Taffin has stated that the company expects Red Bull Racing to return to form during the 2015 season, despite a challenging start that has highlighted tensions between the two partners. Following the Australian Grand Prix, Red Bull publicly criticised Renault's power unit performance, raising questions about the long-term future of their collaboration. Taffin acknowledged Red Bull's frustration but emphasised that neither the team nor the supplier is giving up on the season.
Renault's Expectations for Red Bull in 2015
Early Season Struggles and Signs of Progress
The opening rounds of the 2015 season saw Red Bull unable to demonstrate its true pace, with issues stemming from both the engine and other factors. Taffin admitted that the results in Australia were disappointing and that some of the blame lay with Renault. However, he pointed to the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang as a step forward, noting that the team was able to show more of its potential. According to Taffin, the improvements seen in Malaysia marked the real beginning of the campaign for the Red Bull-Renault partnership.
Taffin suggested that by the time the Chinese Grand Prix arrived, Red Bull would have addressed some of its most pressing issues. He expressed optimism that the team would see further gains as the season progressed, particularly as both Renault and Red Bull focused on development.
Development Focus and Partnership History
Renault and Red Bull's partnership has come under strain after the poor start to 2015, but Taffin was quick to remind observers of their shared history. From 2010 to 2013, Red Bull and Renault won four consecutive constructors' championships, a period of dominance that Taffin attributes to the team's ability to develop the car throughout a season. He believes that this proven track record suggests further improvement is possible, even if immediate wins are not on the horizon.
Taffin highlighted the significant potential for development on both the engine and chassis sides. He stressed that Red Bull is known for its strong in-season development, and Renault is committed to providing upgrades to the power unit as the year goes on. This focus on continuous improvement is seen as the key to overcoming the early setbacks.
Looking Ahead for Red Bull-Renault
While Taffin did not predict immediate victories, he maintained that the combination of Red Bull's development skills and Renault's technical resources would pay off as the season continued. The expectation is that, with ongoing work on both the power unit and the chassis, Red Bull will be able to challenge more effectively as the championship unfolds.
The 2015 season remains a test for the Red Bull-Renault partnership, but both parties are focused on turning their fortunes around. Their previous success together provides a foundation for optimism as they aim to recover from a difficult start.
Red Bull-Renault's Championship Record
| Year | Constructors' Champion |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Red Bull-Renault |
| 2011 | Red Bull-Renault |
| 2012 | Red Bull-Renault |
| 2013 | Red Bull-Renault |
