It’s widely accepted in F1 circles that the Renault engine is lacking power compared to the competition from Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari. However, what’s less discussed is the fuel economy of the major players.
Jean François Caubet, Renault’s F1 director, claims efficiency has more than made up for any lack of power.
“The Mercedes engine is about 15hp more power than ours, so too does Ferrari offer more power,” admitted Caubet to AS.
“But, as far as driveability and fuel economy go the Renault engine is out in front as we need less gas.”
According to Caubet that means double world constructors’ champions Red Bull Racing “can start races with 15 or 18 litres less fuel in the tank than their competition—and that makes the difference.”
[Source: PlanetF1 | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]
One reply on “Is economy the key to F1 success?”
That would make sense in the first part of the race when the extra weight would easily overcome the extra power of the other cars.
It would play into the hands of Vettel’s race strategy quite nicely – to deal with the lack of ability in pressure driving and overtaking (see Canada last year when Button scared him off the road) by getting a big gap out in front as soon as possible.