Michael scoffs at Red Bull engine complaints

Sam Michael has scoffed at Red Bull’s claim that the Renault engines in the rear of the championship-leading RB6 are significantly down on power.

Red Bull has consistently claimed its Renault V8 is up to 30 horse power behind, revealing that McLaren is blocking its move to industry leading Mercedes.

The Austrian team is also openly upset that the FIA will not impose performance parity, with Mercedes refusing to voluntary de-tune its engines.

Bluntly, Australian Michael - technical director at Cosworth-powered Williams - denounces the saga as "bullshit".

"It’s simply to gain an advantage," he is quoted by the German language motorsport-total.com.

"This (Renault) engine has often been on pole position this year. You cannot tell me it has not enough power," insisted Michael.

"They’re just lobbying for an upgrade. That’s ok, because it’s part of the business. These teams are trying to strengthen their position."

He believes all the engines in F1 at present are separated by "no more than one or two tenths".

It was believed Williams, like Lotus, was considering switching to Renault for 2011, but the British team has now confirmed it is staying with Cosworth.