Ricciardo concedes Red Bull chassis falls short in 2015
Daniel Ricciardo has acknowledged that Red Bull’s RB11 chassis is not matching Mercedes and is only on par with Ferrari and Williams, as the team faces wider struggles than its Renault engine.
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted Red Bull’s RB11 chassis is not the class of the Formula One field in 2015, conceding that the team’s problems run deeper than its troubled Renault power unit. The Australian’s comments, made ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix, mark a shift from Red Bull’s earlier stance that engine performance was the primary reason for its lack of competitiveness.
Red Bull’s public criticism of Renault after the season opener in Melbourne had painted the power unit as the team’s main obstacle. Senior figures suggested the chassis remained a benchmark, with the RB11’s lack of straight-line speed and reliability blamed on its French engine partner. Renault’s Cyril Abiteboul responded by rejecting the narrative, describing some of Red Bull’s statements as “lies” and calling for a more constructive approach.
Ricciardo: Mercedes ahead on every front
Ricciardo has now acknowledged that Red Bull’s package is not matching Mercedes in any department. “No one compares with Mercedes,” he said, making clear that the Silver Arrows’ advantage covers both engine and chassis. He placed Red Bull’s current chassis performance on the same level as Ferrari and Williams, rather than out in front as in previous seasons.
This admission follows a difficult Australian Grand Prix, where Red Bull struggled for pace and reliability. The team’s frustration had spilled into public, but Ricciardo’s comments suggest a more balanced view is emerging inside the garage as the season heads to Malaysia.
Pressure on and off the track
Red Bull’s struggles have fuelled speculation about the team’s future and its relationship with Renault. Rumours of a split, possible talks with Audi, and even a full withdrawal from Formula One have circulated. Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz has reportedly considered selling both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, while some in the paddock, including 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, have questioned whether Red Bull’s absence would be felt by the sport.
The debate over dominance in Formula One has also resurfaced. Red Bull’s complaints about Mercedes’ performance edge have been met with reminders that the sport has always seen periods of superiority by one team, including Red Bull’s own run of titles. As the team faces its toughest start in years, Ricciardo’s frank assessment points to a need for improvement across the board, not just in the engine bay.
What next for Red Bull?
With the Malaysian Grand Prix approaching, Ricciardo said he expects a better showing if the team can recapture the form it showed in pre-season testing in Barcelona. Whether that materialises will depend on progress from both the chassis and engine sides. For now, Red Bull must accept that its 2015 package is not the benchmark it once was, and that regaining ground on Mercedes will require more than just a power unit fix.
For more on Red Bull’s ongoing efforts to close the gap, see Renault Backs Red Bull to Find Form After Early 2015 Struggles.
