While engine manufacturer Renault is considering its next strategy, Red Bull Racing is suggesting that its future in Formula 1 might depend on its partner's decisions.
After winning four consecutive championships from 2010 to 2013, the new V6 turbo hybrid era is creating tensions in both camps. Red Bull Racing blames its engine supplier for lesser performances, Renault feels that the team monopolized all the title glory and quickly forgot its contribution.
Since this year, Renault only powers Red Bull Racing and the brand's junior team, Toro Rosso. The French car manufacturer is juggling with several possible strategies: continuing as engine manufacturer, buying Toro Rosso and becoming a full-fledged constructor as before, or bowing out. “I can confirm that we are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula 1”, declared Cyril Abiteboul, Renault Sport F1's General Manager. “Honestly, if Formula 1 is that bad for Renault's reputation, if we see that we struggle with the current (engine) formula, if Formula 1 is not delivering value to what it costs Renault (...); this is what we are looking at.” Abiteboul did not directly comment on the possible acquisition of Toro Rosso: “Before starting really to think about doing a car I think we need to get the engine under control.” Franz Tost, Toro Rosso's Team Principal, did not hesitate to say that becoming the new Renault works team would be “a fantastic opportunity”, knowing that his team hopes to join the Top 5 of the Constructors' championship. “To be owned by a manufacturer would be exactly the step forward which the team needs”, he pointed out. If Renault becomes a Formula 1 constructor again, Red Bull will lose its status as a privileged client. And if Renault leaves, Red Bull suggested it might have to do the same. “We could ultimately find ourselves without an engine supplier should Renault chose to withdraw”, declared Christan Horner, Red Bull Racing's Team Principal. “Mercedes would refuse to supply Red Bull with an engine, it's unlikely that we would be in a position to take a Ferrari engine. So you could find yourself actually forced out of the sport.” It must however be noted that two weeks ago, Red Bull was already threatening to leave F1 if results on track no longer corresponded with its ambitions. “There are some worrying signs when we see races like we saw in Melbourne”, commented Horner, in reference to the Australian Grand Prix, where Red Bull finished a lap behind Mercedes. “But hopefully that's one chapter in a long story. There's a long season ahead of us.”
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