Formula 1

No major Renault upgrade until 2018, Verstappen concerned

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Max Verstappen is now concerned about Red Bull's future as engine supplier Renault confirmed there would be no major upgrade until 2018.

The Dutchman is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of competitiveness of the former four-time consecutive world champions this season and suffered yet more disappointment in Canada as he retired with a battery failure while running in second place.

The French manufacturer's power unit continues to be the main weakness of the Red Bull package.

Previously, team boss Christian Horner had spoken about developments coming for Canada, which didn't happen, and then for the next race in Baku but Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul poured cold water on those claims.

“It was Red Bull who said that there would be an upgrade," he said, speaking with the official F1 website.
 
Setting the record straight, he added: "There are upgrades permanently - every single race we are making some small improvements.

“Last year we created a huge expectation and we came with an upgrade that had a big impact. But we can't repeat that every year. Now it is all about constant improvements which overall will make a difference.
 
"But there is no magic bullet. Every race the engine will become more and more reliable with the program on the dyno progressing.

“Frankly the next big upgrade will be next year. Then we will have a completely new concept. That will make a difference - but as I said, 2018."
 
 
The thought of only small gains, albeit regularly, didn't sit well with Verstappen, with the 19-year-old pointing out how the other teams will continue to improve too.
 
"I'm worried, also for the direction for next year," he was quoted by F1i.com. "The regulations are not changing much [for 2018], so the more the team learns this year, the better it is for next year.
 
"We wanted to go for the world title this year, but we are far from it, I want to win and I absolutely think this team can. You can see we have improved the car a lot. But the power is yet to come.

"It is what it is and I can't influence the situation," he added.

"You can get upset, angry, but it doesn't solve anything. It's better to be optimistic and try to make the most of the situation."

With several seats at other teams likely becoming available, some may wonder if the frustration may lead Verstappen or team-mate Daniel Ricciardo to consider their future with Red Bull.

Christian Horner at least downplayed the thought of the Dutchman leaving believing he sees "the big picture" and also claim's Ricciardo's current run of three straight podiums should be seen aa positive for Max.

"We were racing against a Mercedes and we beat Ferrari. Max hasn't had the results, but it's still a long season. His time will come," he said.

 

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