Renault may not supply Red Bull with the upgraded engine they are set to introduce at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
The Milton Keynes outfit is hoping to compare the relative performance of the French manufacturer’s unit to Toro Rosso supplier Honda this weekend as they decide which engine to use in 2019.
Even though that would probably please Renault, who have asked for a quick decision by Red Bull, managing director Cyril Abiteboul suggested that because of earlier engine problems in Bahrain and China, giving them the unit could disrupt their supply plan for the season.
“We have yet to confirm the introduction because the mileage is not the same across all cars, so we will see where and when exactly we will introduce that new spec,” he explained to Motorsport.com
“I think we have six engines available, subject to the last event on procurement in the supply chain. That’s the plan, but not sure it’s actually the best to introduce it in all six cars, in particular, Red Bull.
“We need to look into that. We always work in partnership with teams, trying to do the best for the overall season result.”
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Because the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a power-dominated track with numerous long straights, all four engine suppliers are set to introduce updates which will likely shape the pecking order for the rest of the European season.
That is why Montreal is considered an important race for the championship chances of the top three teams and Abiteboul outlined what Red Bull could expect from Renault if they did receive the updated parts.
“It’s a small gain in power, although we know we won’t be the only one,” he stated. “It’s mainly in the ICE that we can expect more power. This has to be the focus, and it will be the focus for all of this year, and maybe next year.”
