Horner hopes for further gains from Renault

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hopes that Renault can further optimalize its engine because the gap to the field-leading Mercedes is still huge in terms of pure performance. However, the Briton is delighted with Renault’s gains.

Red Bull and Renault had a seemingly unhealable relationship last autumn which led to the point that the parties agreed to part ways. As Red Bull could not make a deal with Ferrari and Mercedes, they opted for another year with the French engine maker.

The engine has been improved so much for this campaign that the former dominant squad extended its contract with Renault for the forthcoming season.

Despite to the improved performance and relationship, Red Bull’s Christian Horner revealed the deficit to Mercedes.

“I know that we lack 47 hp. That is what the Renault boys said to me,” he is quoted as saying by autosprint.it.

“We are aware of the programs and that we have to reduce the gap.”

Horner praises Renault’s effort after last year’s woes.

“Renault has made great strides.”

Renault revealed over the Hungarian GP’s weekend that it does not intend to bring new specification engine and use many tokens. The Briton, however, said the work and optimalization of the currect spec engine won’t stop until the end of 2016.

"Performance increases will come from fuel, other engine settings and drivability. We are confident that there will be improvements by putting in place what we have at the moment," Horner added.