Renault boss Carlos Ghosn has confirmed the manufacturer is “renegotiating” its contract with the Red Bull F1 team - with a view to ending supply of customer engines to any teams as soon as possible.
“We are analysing what to do,” Ghosn told Autocar. “We have been clear in saying ‘don't count on us as a provider of engines’. It is clear that if you provide engines you aren’t mentioned when you win and you are criticised when you have problems.”
Red Bull and Renault have a contract until the end of the 2016 season, but both sides are reportedly trying to end the alliance at the close of this season. The fact Ghosn admits the contract is being renegotiated is the first public confirmation of the much-vaunted split.
“Our future is the subject of detailed analysis and renegotiating. We will either exit or run our own team. We don't have a clear decision yet,” he said.
Ghosn's comments all but confirm the end of the firm's alliance with Red Bull, which yielded four successive drivers' and constructors' titles but which has turned sour over the past two seasons.
Asked if repeated attacks on Renault by Red Bull bosses were fair, he said: “It is not a question of fair, it is a question of sportsmanship. A team should win and lose together. What has been said is a question of sportsmanship. Again I say, you should win and lose together.”
Renault's final decision on F1 engine supply has wide-ranging implications for the sport, with Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda the only confirmed engine suppliers.
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The whole fomula is suspect
Who else?
Really the engine regulation are messed up. Engine suppliers that are down on performance should be given extra development days/credits to bridge the gap and make things more exciting.