Red Bull confident Bahrain fuel supply issue is solved

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Helmut Marko is confident that Red Bull has solved the fuel supply issue that led to Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez's late double retirement last weekend in Bahrain.

Both drivers' efforts were thwarted in the closing stages of the race, with Verstappen forced to retire after losing power four laps from the checkered flag while Perez's engine shut off on the final lap of the race as the Mexican was heading to a podium finish.

On Sunday evening, it was suggested that Red Bull had perhaps committed a massive blunder by under-fueling its cars in a bid to save weight, but the team's official statement alluded to a fuel pump issue as the cause for its painful double DNF.

©RedBull

Certain elements of F1's fuel pumps are standardized parts mandated by the FIA, but it is understood that the root cause of the failure was not linked to these components.

"To put it simply, a vacuum in the fuel supply system caused the engine to run out of fuel," Marko told German outlet F1-Insider.

"I think the problem will be solved already for Saudi Arabia this weekend.

"Without giving exact figures, there was still enough fuel in the tank of both cars," added Marko, implicitly dismissing the speculation around Red Bull under-fueling its cars.

Read also: Verstappen warns Red Bull will 'come back stronger' in Jeddah

Marko concluded that the Milton Keynes-based outfit will be "at full speed" this weekend in Jeddah.

"Basically, we were fast enough," the Austrian explained. "We were just not able to use our potential at the decisive moment.

"In Saudi Arabia we will be back at full speed and fight for victory."

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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.