Renault will give Red Bull an ultimatum

The future of the partnership between Red Bull et Renault is more uncertain than ever. The Austrian structure has already selected Honda to replace Losange for its second team Toro Rosso, while she dreams of an extended partnership with Aston Martin who would consider joining as an engine manufacturer by 2021 when the new regulations come into force.

While the contract between Renault and Red Bull only covers the 2018 season, the engine manufacturer Viruses-Châtillon wishes to know quickly the projects of the Red Bull.

“Everything is open for 2019, confirmed Cyril Abiteboul, the general director of Renault Sport Racing, in the paddock of the Catalunya circuit which is hosting the first winter tests this week. We will closely monitor developments at Toro Rosso, but we have no preconceived ideas going into this season. »

Renault is worried about its room for maneuver, the engine manufacturer having a number of customer teams to respect. The FIA ​​must know before May 15 the list of engine manufacturers associated with the teams, as indicated in the sporting regulations.

“We are not going to beat around the bush forever, added the Frenchman. I know what Christian (Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull racing) is referring to when he says he has options. He is absolutely right. Like him, I read the contracts and I know what obligations we have towards the discipline. One thing that is certain is that we will give a deadline for Red Bull to indicate what its future will look like. This should be clearer at this level at the end of May. This will be our deadline. »

Red Bull will study Honda's progress with Toro Rosso over the coming months in order to make its choice regarding its first team which is currently rebadging French engines under the "Tag Heuer" brand.