autoevolution
 

Vettel's Engine Failure Leads to Poor Reliability Claims for Renault

Although everybody admitted that Red Bull Racing is currently the team to beat in Formula One, the Austrian outfit failed to convert their pole position in the Bahrain Grand Prix into a race win due to engine problems. Although Sebastian Vettel's car was initially diagnosed with a failed exhaust, a media statement from the team late on Sunday confirmed the issue that triggered his in-race problem was engine related.

To be more precise, a spark plug failed in the second part of the race and led to a loss of power for Vettel, who consequently struggled to get past the finish line on Sunday. While leading the race before the problem occurred, he eventually finished it in 4th place.

Needless to say, following the clash between Red Bull's owner Dietrich Mateschitz and Renault last year – when the former accused the latter for providing poor reliability for their powerplants – the engine problem Vettel experienced on Sunday again put the spotlight on the French manufacturer. Lewis Hamilton's comments after the race spoke for themselves about Red Bull's poor choice in picking their engine supplier.

If Vettel had a reliable engine, he's got so much downforce he could run away with it. But if he has problems it won't be a runaway year for anyone,” said Ham in an interview with The Sun.

Additionally, after the race was over, Swiss newspaper Blick headlined “Failed world championship beginning: did Red Bull stumble with Renault?”, referring to the team's failed bid to secure Mercedes powerplants for the 2010 season of Formula One.

Following last year's reliability problems with the Renault engines, the Milton Keynes officials tried endlessly to ink a deal with the German manufacturer, but their purchasing the Brawn GP team – and turning it into their official F1 operation – brought an end to it. With Cosworth being the only other option, the Austrian outfit chose to stay with Renault for an additional year.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories