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Marko stokes Red Bull Renault fire and blames money issues for engine troubles

Marko stokes Red Bull Renault fire and blames money issues for engine troubles

17-12-2018 08:22 Last update: 18-12-2018 09:36
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Helmut Marko believes Renault's budget wasn't big enough to provide Red Bull with an engine to compete with Mercedes and Ferrari. After a 12 year relationship, Red Bull will ditch the Renault engine and move to Honda for the 2019 season.

Since Red Bull announced their engine deal was up for discussion, tempers have increased between the two teams. Even in the winter break, Red Bull's advisor, Marko, is stoking the fire.

"For us, it was clear at one point that Renault could not deliver us a victorious engine. With their budget, you can not expect them to fight against Ferrari and Mercedes. It was clear that we had to do something," Marko told Motorsport-Magazin.com.

"Now, for the first time in our history, we have a factory engine [Honda]. There is a good development, and all that has happened so far is good for Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso for next season."

Right at the end of the 2018 season, Honda introduced a new spec engine in the back of the Toro Rosso. All parties involved have looked over the stats and the Red Bull team members believe they're positive.

Leaving a final message for Cyril Abiteboul, boss at Renault, Marko says we'll just see what happens out on track in Australia.

"The Honda engine has been improved generally, many penalties have been taken into account because we have always wanted to bring something new," he added.

"According to our simulations, we would have a much better appearance with the current Honda engine. But we do not need to think about that, Mr Abiteboul, and next year we will see."