Gallagher: "Red Bull should design its own engine"

Mark Gallagher believes that Red Bull should look into designing its own engine to rid themselves of Renault who are struggling. Renault's power units have been off the pace of Mercedes since the start of the hybrid era in 2014, and this year has seen Ferrari pull away in terms of both speed and reliability.

Gallagher, who worked at Red Bull for a number of years believes that it is a feasible way for Red Bull to return to the front of the grid. The Austrian team has not met its pre-season expectations in 2017 as they linger far behind Mercedes and Ferrari who are battling for the championship.

"Red Bull Racing is hamstrung by the fact it doesn't have a works engine," Gallagher told Sky Sports F1.  "Even though it has a very good and strong engine supply from Renault, Renault has its own Formula 1 team and you have to believe that ultimately that's their focus.

"Red Bull Racing should not play second fiddle to anyone on engine supply and I passionately believe they deserve to have their own unique supply of engines. Not just a customer engine, but an engine that is specific and bespoke to them.

"The reality is that that is such an important component in contemporary F1 and you can't just have a plug and play engine like some Duracell battery. You need something that is integral to the entire decision and is part of a concept."

Gallagher has experience in working in the field of engines, as he took over the running of the Cosworth F1 business in 2009. Cosworth last supplied engines in F1 in 2013, for the unsuccessful Marussia team. 

Fergal Walsh