Red Bull: 15 liters less fuel thanks to Renault

Red Bull remains with four titles won over the last two years, a perfect score. Behind this success lies notably the strong performance of an engine, the one manufactured by Renault. Indeed, even if it is not the most powerful on the grid, as explained by Jean-François Caubet, the head of Renault Sport F1, it has other qualities.

« The Mercedes engine is about 15 horsepower more powerful compared to ours. But in terms of flexibility and consumption, our engine is ahead. So when it comes to overall comparison, we are slightly better than Mercedes, » said Jean-François Caubet to the German magazine Bild.

The main quality of the Renault V8 engine is probably its lower fuel consumption compared to its rivals – Mercedes, Ferrari, and Cosworth. Caubet even estimates this difference to be nearly 15 liters of fuel per race, which is significant given that refueling is now prohibited.

Thanks to lower fuel consumption, Red Bull can start races with 15 to 18 liters less fuel in the tank compared to its rivals. This makes a huge difference.

It is difficult to have a precise idea of the time gain because fuel consumption differs depending on the circuits, but the fuel weight saving would be about 0.3 seconds per lap, which is significant for a Formula 1 lap.

Jean-François Caubet also confided that Sebastian Vettel’s driving style greatly helped him because the double world champion has a very economical driving style. He is also interested in data analysis, which helps him to be even better at managing the fuel he carries.