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Red Bull Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner hopes engine supplier Renault does not have a “Scrapheap Challenge” task on its hands in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
With the 2017 F1 season nearing its end, and Renault’s factory focus on developments for ’18, it has elected against producing any brand new parts for the final races.
Instead it has adopted a policy of using reconditioned items to get it through the final events of the year, as well as instructing its teams to turn down their engines to help reliability.
But with items on the edge, there is now a risk that any further problems in Abu Dhabi will require Renault’s staff to try to cobble together enough working spare parts to see them through the weekend.
Asked about what happens if something goes wrong in practice or qualifying, Horner said: “It’s going to be a little bit like [2000s UK television show] Scrapheap Challenge, to find what can go with what.
“But the good thing is, both engines got to the end of the race in Brazil.
“So whatever we’ve finished there with, we can take to Abu Dhabi, and hopefully there’s no cracks or issues.
“Then in Abu Dhabi, the last race of the year, we have got to go for it.”
Renault miracles
Despite increased tensions in recent races – especially after Toro Rosso launched a furious attack on Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul over comments he made to the press – Horner moved to praise Renault’s garage staff.
He understands the difficulties they have faced in recent weeks trying to ensure that Renault’s teams can get through until the end of the season.
“Hats off to the Renault mechanics in the garage because of the way they’re moving bits around,” he said.
“It’s never an ideal environment to be rebuilding engines trackside. And every week they’re doing it.
“They sometimes get the rough end of the stick. The guys in the garage in difficult conditions are working miracles.”
Asked if he shared the frustrations that publicly erupted from Toro Rosso, Horner replied: “I think Renault are more than aware of the issues that they have.
“Obviously frustration boiled over with Franz [Tost]. It’s that time of year where emotions are running high.”