Will Renault still have as much impact in F1?

The Monaco Grand Prix would be an opportunity for several teams to make an announcement concerning a possible change of engine manufacturer in the run-up to the 2014 season when the 6l turbo-hybrid V1.6 will come into force. If Renault Sport F1 is in advanced discussions with Toro Rosso, the formalization of a future partnership seems fall behind. At the same time, Auto Motor und Sport claims that an imminent announcement of Williams f1 team would be made to announce a contract with Mercedes. Lotus F1 Team would also evaluate the possibility of working in the future with the German engine manufacturer.

At the center of the debates, the financial question plays a key role at a time when most teams are seeking to limit the rising costs of engines with the future regulations. If Red Bull Racing has close links with the Losange, the V6 1.-l turbo-hybrid could be rebadged by Infiniti, the high-end Nissan brand which strengthens its partnership with Milton Keynes every year. Marussia F1 Team should probably welcome the Ferrari engine next year, the Russian team having moved closer to Maranello with the arrival of Jules Bianchi, resident of the Ferrari Driver Academy. Force India having already confirmed the contract extension with the star manufacturer, the margin could quickly reduce for Viruses-Châtillon.

Caterham F1 Team will in no case be able to take another path since the British manufacturer is involved in the rebirth ofAlpine, even if the Renault engine would be the most expensive in the field. “We have a partnership with Renault and so you will see a Renault engine with DRS and SREC in a Caterham,” commented Tony Fernandes, the owner of the brand, in the Monaco paddock. “Our partnership is established over the long term. It is no longer just about the team but about the business of the automotive world as a whole. (The cost issue) has been a disappointment so far. When Max Mosley (former FIA President) first came to talk to us about F1, costs were supposed to be going down. There is no one to blame for this, it is the discipline itself. Tires were free before and we pay for them today. Engines are also becoming more expensive. »