It seems like one wrong step from Mercedes was all Renault needed to see in order to believe they too can do better against the Silver Arrows. Perhaps even this season.
Though to be fair, making a Ferrari-sized leap in 2015 is a bit of a stretch for Renault, who are currently struggling to find their pace. Really struggling.
However, Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul (the one talking to Red Bull’s Christian Horner in the opening image), remains optimistic.
“Ferrari has done a great job in the last few months,” said Abiteboul. “It shows that Mercedes can be caught if all the ingredients are there.”
Indeed they could be caught, but don’t forget about the key word “ingredients”. Renault would have to step up their game considerably not just with their engines but also count on Red Bull Racing to do their part and further develop a car which isn’t just lacking speed but also downforce – compared to how good they used to be in that department until this year.
The good news is that all four Renault-powered cars finished in the points at Sepang (both Red Bulls and both Toro Rossos) which proves that there has at least been an improvement compared to a couple of weeks ago in Australia.
Ironically, Toro Rosso is currently 5th in the constructors’ standings, one place and one point ahead of Red Bull. While we don’t expect that too last, we wouldn’t be surprised if it went on for another race or two.
As for Renault getting back into Formula 1 with a ‘works team’, we’re all for it. Maybe Mercedes looking beatable is all the motivation they need to push through with that plan.