Renault could leave F1

CyrilAbiteboul-Cropped

Renault are considering pulling out of Formula One as they continue to provide less competitive power units to their teams.

The French firm are currently suppliers for Red Bull and Toro Rosso but saw both teams disappoint in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, with sixth place for Daniel Ricciardo - who finished a lap down on winner Lewis Hamilton - the best either could achieve.

Lotus left Renault for Mercedes ahead of the 2015 season after a dismal 2014, Romain Grosjean describing himself as "a happy driver again" following the switch.

And speaking at the FIA's press conference on Friday, Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: "We are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula 1.

"Honestly, if Formula 1 is that bad for Renault's reputation, if we see that we struggle with the current formula; if Formula 1 is not delivering the value it costs to Renault – bearing in mind that when you have an engine supplier, you have no incentive to fund engine development – this is what we’re looking at.

"We think we are a credible player in the sport but you need to think about what else we need to do on top of what we already are. But right now, the focus remains on the engine."

Another option Renault have been rumoured to be looking at is purchasing a team, with Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost fuelling talk of a potential link-up between the two.

Tost said: "To be owned by a manufacturer would be exactly the step forward which the team needs."

 

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