Is Redbull the architect of its engine problems?
Could Redbull have managed their problems with Renault better? As it stands at the moment they have burned bridges with Renault without a backup plan or alternative solution. They had not secured an alternative supplier for 2016 before they let their relationship with Renault deteriorate to the point of very possibly no return. This is the puzzling aspect of the Redbull situation.
The question l keep having everytime l think about the Redbull situation is, what really was their plan to secure a new supplier for 2016? From the looks of it, there did not seem to be any, particularly since they seem to have approached other suppliers in what appears to be too late into Mercedes and Ferrari's programme for 2016 season. Mercedes will not supply them with any of their engines and Ferrari has been more generous than Mercedes to offer them their 2015 engine. Which do not meet Redbull's requirement of parity engine. So where does that leave Redbull?
The other question is, will the Ferrari 2015 engine be better than the Renault 2016 engine? This is particularly relevant when you think that the FIA may relax their regulation to give Renault and Honda a chance to catch up to Mercedes and Ferrari. Threatening to quit F1 has not got them a Mercedes engine nor a 2016 Ferrari engine. The Volkswagen entry to F1 is looking somewhat in doubt judging by their current emissions problems. Hence 2017 may well be another problem year for Redbull.
Adrian Newey was quoted at saying Redbull is being pushed out of F1 because their competitors fear Redbull. But is that really the case? Why should Mercedes or Ferrari hand away competitive advantages to its competitor Redbull? Why do Redbull think all it has to do is demand an engine and Mercedes or Ferrari will just comply and handover a 2016 spec engine? Or threaten to leave the sport and Bernie would pressure Mercedes or Ferrari to supply a 2016 spec engine to Redbull.
Could one say that Redbull may leave the sport because they have been unable to cut deals successfully due to their lack of a soft touch approach to securing an engine. From the faraway couch of the spectator, the perspective seem that Redbull have forgotten how to do deals because they have been too long at the top of the game. They may have forgotten that getting a works engine supply is not a privilege but a partnership earned. They have forgotten that they are a customer team like every other who has won four or more constructor world championships. Like Mclaren or Williams.
While it is very obvious that Renault has failed to deliver a competitive engine over the last two years, one would have expected a little more restraint and control in how they go about severing the partnership. With some respect for the manufacturer that effectively secured them four consecutive double world championships. It would have been more appealing if the severance of the relationship was on amicable terms which would accorded Renault appreciation for those titles won and would have left the door open for a future partnership. Maybe Redbull is pushing Redbull out of the series. What do you think?
You know who your friends really are when the going is tough.