Webber expresses regret as Red Bull falls behind in Melbourne
Mark Webber, in Melbourne for the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, voiced disappointment at Red Bull’s struggles as Mercedes dominated qualifying and Renault took the blame.
Mark Webber, former Red Bull driver and Australian F1 veteran, said he was saddened to see his old team struggle for pace at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix. Webber, in Melbourne to commentate, reflected on Red Bull’s sharp decline from their four-year run of dominance after Daniel Ricciardo could only manage seventh on the grid, over two seconds adrift of Mercedes in qualifying.
Webber told Austrian broadcaster ORF that he still has many friends at Red Bull and feels sorry to see the team go through a difficult period. Red Bull’s dominance from 2010 to 2013 was broken by the introduction of new hybrid power units, with Mercedes emerging as the clear leader under the new regulations.
At the opening round in Melbourne, Red Bull’s frustration was directed at their works engine partner Renault. Ricciardo, the team’s top qualifier, was well off the pace, with Williams and Ferrari both looking stronger. Alan Jones, Australia’s 1980 world champion, said the blame lay squarely with Renault, arguing that Ricciardo and the Red Bull chassis were capable of fighting at the front if the engine delivered more power and driveability.
Renault under fire for power deficit
Red Bull’s relationship with Renault was already under strain after a troubled pre-season. The 2015 V6 turbo hybrid engine was seen as lacking both outright power and smooth delivery compared to the Mercedes unit. Team officials and drivers made little effort to hide their dissatisfaction, with several public statements criticising the French supplier. The tension would later fuel speculation about Red Bull seeking alternative engine partners, including Ferrari.
For Ricciardo, the home race was a reminder of the gap to the front. Mercedes locked out the front row, while Williams’ Felipe Massa and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel lined up ahead of the Red Bull. The team’s struggles in Melbourne reflected a broader shift in the pecking order since the hybrid era began.
Webber’s loyalty and Red Bull’s uncertain path
Webber’s comments reflected both loyalty to his former team and a recognition that dominance in Formula One is rarely permanent. He acknowledged that the team’s fortunes had shifted dramatically under the new rules, but expressed hope that Red Bull’s underlying strength would eventually bring them back into contention.
With Mercedes setting the early benchmark and Williams and Ferrari showing improved form, Red Bull faced a challenging start to 2015. The team’s public criticism of Renault and the scale of the qualifying deficit in Melbourne made clear that a return to the front would require more than just aerodynamic excellence.
For more on Red Bull’s search for engine solutions after Renault’s struggles, see Red Bull weighs Ferrari engine supply after Renault struggles.
