Red Bull turned its new Formula 1 power unit down “quite a bit” after observations about its competitiveness, according to Williams boss James Vowles.
The Milton Keynes-based squad completed pre-season, as well as the preceding ‘shakedown week’ in Barcelona with what appeared to be considerably more pace than even it had predicted.
Its first in-house powertrain, built with Ford, was expected to be a project that would yield results in the long-term, with short-term pain and an acceptance it would have to suffer some uncharacteristically poor results.
But if the two weeks’ worth of testing in Bahrain is anything to go by, the power unit has enough to, at the very least, see Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar challenge for points-scoring finishes.
The team has continued to play down its competitiveness, insisting rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren are clear of them, but Vowles was metaphorically stroking his chin with suspicion at that prospect.
“There are games being played,” the Williams Team Principal told F1TV.
“Red Bull looked really good until we spoke about their power unit. Then they’ve turned it down quite a bit since then.”
Vowles praises ‘innovative’ Ferrari
Vowles has also cast his eye on Ferrari, which appeared to make some significant strides and place itself as the team touted to be the second-fastest behind Mercedes.
The Scuderia got tongues wagging on the second day of last week’s programme with its radical ‘flip wing’, which rotated 180 degrees, effectively working upside down.
“Ferrari, well done to them, really. They’re coming up with great innovations, and they are moving forward, and I think they are competitive as they are,” Vowles said, before delivering his verdict on the Silver Arrows, his former team.
“Mercedes, just because they came out the box really strong, and they’ve been strong all days. You can’t discount them.
“So what I’m saying to you is, even within the paddock right now, depending on what games people are playing on power unit and fuel, it’s hard to tell.
“Then, on top of that, I would add that you’re going to see more than ever before, swings, circuit to circuit, based on what characteristics the power unit and the car teams have come up with.
“So even if today, Ferrari could win a race here, that doesn’t mean they will in Melbourne.”
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