Red Bull unable to run Honda at full power (2nd Update)

Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly

UPDATE (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has added his denial to speculation Red Bull is struggling with excessive vibration from the 2019 Honda power unit.

Actually, team official Marko insists the Japanese manufacturer has done a "great job" over the winter, and claims Red Bull is behind Ferrari but ahead of Mercedes.

"Everything they (Honda) told us has happened. We have had zero engine problems so far," he told Auto Bild.

Team boss Christian Horner was also asked about the alleged vibrations, and said in Barcelona: "I have no idea where that (the reports) comes from."

Despite its world championship success in the past, it is the first time Red Bull has had a clear 'works' engine partner.

"Honda has incredible resources," said Marko. "It's unbelievable how many parts they take with them just for a test."

He says the engine has been run conservatively in Barcelona, but Red Bull notices a "big power boost" compared to last year's Renault.

"At the moment we are number 2 just behind Ferrari. Maybe two or three tenths.

"But we are faster than Mercedes and that's not just because of the car," Marko added.

He thinks Max Verstappen is now ready for title success, explaining that the Dutchman has "gained more confidence in the winter and is now ready for the world championship".

When asked what his hopes for 2019 are, Verstappen confirmed: "Hopefully many victories."

"Working with Honda is very good. They are calm and focused, which is very different compared to working with Renault," he added.

Max Verstappen

02/20/19 This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Speaking to RaceFans.net Horner denied the rumors: “There’s absolutely no vibration issue that we encountered at all in any of the running.

“So I’m not quite sure where that’s come from."

Red Bull are new to the Honda engine but Toro Rosso used it in 2018 giving both teams some help for 2019.

“Red Bull Technology, having dealt with the integration of the drivetrain with Toro Rosso during the last year, had a pretty decent knowledge of what to expect," he said.

“The integration of the engine into the chassis and drivetrain has been one of the best, if not the best, that I’ve seen we’ve been able to do.

“So it’s a very neat package," added Horner

Pierre Gasly in the Red Bull

02/20/19 Testing is well underway in Barcelona as the teams work out their new 2019 cars but an issue may have already arisen at Red Bull. According to some early rumors, the team is unable to run full power due to vibrations caused by the power unit.

According to ex-McLaren engineer Marc Priestley, the RB15 is currently dealing with a power unit issue caused by the level of vibrations caused by the team's new Honda power unit.

If the rumor is true, it has left Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly down on power compared to their rivals and in need of a fix as the Red Bull team continues to get to grips with their new power unit partner.

A rumor that has existed for a while, both McLaren and Toro Rosso have reportedly had to deal with the same kind of issue in the past and it seems as though the Japanese manufacturer has been unable to find a fix to their problem.

While it is early in the season right now the team will be hoping the issue can be fixed before they arrive in Melbourne for the season opener next month. GPblog