Renault F1 chief Cyril Abiteboul says the French manufacturer has “a lot more to come”, following the first victory for one of its engines since 2014, last weekend.
Following Renault’s acrimonious fall out with Red Bull last year, as part of a new agreement that was drawn up between the two parties, the team rebadged its engine as TAG Heuer.
Asked whether Renault could take any satisfaction in Red Bull’s succes with Max Verstappen in the Spanish Grand Prix, Abiteboul told Autosport.com: “Officially, and in the marketing and communication way, nothing.
“But obviously for the 400 people we have at the factory, there is going to be huge satisfaction.
“It says to everyone that had any doubts about us, that hard work always pays off and delivers.
“This is just the start with the young Dutchman on the podium because there is a lot to come from the engine Red Bull are using.”
Both Red Bull and the works Renault team were positive about its upgraded engine, which made its on-track debut in this week’s post-grand prix test.
“We’re on the rise again,” said Abitboul.
“we still nees a lot of changes to the ways we are working, our processes, the organisation, but a lot of things that have happened over the past 18 months are starting to pay off now.
“Unfortunately in Formula 1 these things can take a bit of time.
“There was a bit of impatience last year for some visible gain, from all the changes going on.
“Unfortunately we’ve had to wait a season for them to come, but they are starting to come, which is really good for all involved.”
However, if Renault releases its latest engine upgrade to the Monaco Grand Prix, they may only be able to supply one version apiece to the two teams that they power.
Although Renault actually slated Canada as the debut race for the 35 horse power, 5-tenth-per-lap power unit upgrade, officials are considering fast-tracking the process to Monaco next weekend.
But Auto Motor und Sport reports that the problem wit that plan could be a lack of spare parts, meaning only one works Renault and one Red Bull gets the upgrade for the streets of the Principality.
For Red Bull, it might be a difficult decision. Does Max Verstappen, F1’s new teen winner, get the TAG Heuer branded upgrade, or should it go to the more experienced Daniel Ricciardo?
“Very clearly, I would give the engine to Ricciardo,” said Niki Lauda, the F1 legend and Mercedes’ team chairman.
“Max Verstappen is the man of the future, but despite all the hype about his first victory, you have to say that Ricciardo is still the better overall package,” he added.
Kevin Magnussen is expected to get the second available power unit for the works Renault team.
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