Verstappen still sees Renault engine as Red Bull's big problem

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Max Verstappen believes the power deficit between Renault and its Ferrari and Mercedes engine rivals has widened, inevitably reducing Red Bull Racing's already slim title hopes.

The Dutchman conquered his fourth career win in F1 in Austria last month, putting his car's handling qualities - and his talent - to good use at the Red Bull Ring.

However, at Silverstone Verstappen measured the gap which subsists between Renault and its Italian and German engine counter-parts following the pair's latest power unit evolutions.

"I think we have the strongest chassis of anyone," said Verstappen.

"If we had the Mercedes or Ferrari engine, they would never see us again. But now we have too little speed on the straight. It's really a problem.

"Since Ferrari and Mercedes did their engine upgrade, the deficit has really increased," he added.

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In light of Red Bull's performance at Silverstone relative to its front-running rivals, Verstappen isn't expecting his team to inch closer at Hockenheim next week, where sheer power output will also come into play.

"It's eight corners and many straights in between them," Verstappen told De Telegraaf.

"But you never know, we could achieve good results thanks to incidents and safety cars. But it won't be easy.

"I think after that we can really compete in Hungary, Singapore and Mexico.

"I think on average we lose six, seven tenths because of the engine, but there are perhaps four tenths we can compensate for elsewhere.

"So yes, I see opportunities there," he added.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.