While it may have all looked serene on social media, reports claim Daniel Ricciardo was unable to complete the full shakedown of the new Red Bull RB14 after a minor crash at Silverstone on Monday.
The Australian was behind the wheel of the 2018 car, featuring a one-off camo livery, on a typically cold and wet February day at the British circuit but would go off in the tricky conditions damaging the floor and front wing, according to Auto Motor und Sport.
While nothing significant it is a small setback for the Milton Keynes outfit who are hoping to get a head start before pre-season testing begins in Barcelona, with slow starts in recent years hampering competitiveness.
Prior to the launch of the RB14, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko played down the team’s title hopes, believing Mercedes’ new engine for this season could give them an even bigger advantage, team boss Christian Horner, however, was more optimistic.
“If we’ve learned the lessons of last year, and if reliability improves, then I see no reason why we shouldn’t be on par,” the Briton was quoted by F1i.com.
Adding on to his earlier comments Marko has since gone on to suggest a deal with Honda for engines in 2019 could be signed within six months.
“So far we’re positively surprised by Honda, also in terms of their dedication and enthusiasm,” the Austrian said. “According to the test stands, the engine is reliable. I think it will be possible for the engine to catch up to Renault level by midseason.
“The regulations have changed so that you have to announce what engine you want to compete with the following year by the summer,” he added. “We will analyse thoroughly and then make a decision.”
