Going into their home Grand Prix, Red Bull were under no illusions that it was going to be a tough weekend for them. A double-points finish was what they had to focus on, and any performance which looked like them getting closer to the podium was a bonus.
2015 Austrian Grand Prix Red Bull Review
With both Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kyvat taking engine penalties after qualifying, due to their pace they couldn’t make it up the grid far enough to serve them all in one go. Due to the confusing nature of the regulations with regards to penalties being taken, Ricciardo had to take a further five-second penalty in the race.
Despite all this, Ricciardo managed to scrap his way to a tenth place finish using a one-stop strategy and making the prime tyre last. His drive was impressive, but he only managed to pick up one point for it, and a 12th place finish for Kvyat wasn’t what Dietrich Mateschitz would have expected from his prized bulls.
The safety car helped with fuel saving concerns, but not even that could stop the team from being stuck well within the midfield and battling the likes of Sergio Perez and Felipe Nasr for any points they could get their hands on.
Red Bull are putting huge pressure on Renault, and their concern does not look like going away. Just last week Renault admitted that it won’t be until the Belgian Grand Prix that engine upgrades will be brought to the team. Ferrari have recently left the door open for Red Bull to return to the team, but Christian Horner said that he is thankful for the offer, but, currently, they are not interested.
Silverstone is the next Grand Prix on the calendar, and it will pose another challenge for the team. With high speed corners and long straights, an unreliable Renault power unit lacking in power will certainly be put through its paces.
