“No chance” that Renault will leave F1
Renault has no intention of leaving Formula 1 but continues to evaluate its strategy in the sport.
The French manufacturer, Renault, now only an engine supplier in Formula 1, has been experiencing a less prosperous period since early 2014 – despite three successes – compared to between 2010 and 2013 when it was supplying the world champion team, Red Bull.
If efforts are currently focused on improvements in both performance and reliability of their V6 turbo hybrid engine, the brand is not abandoning its long-term ambitions in the top discipline and, once again, does not rule out the idea of going beyond mere engine supply.
The evaluation of possibilities and strategic options is ongoing, but one hypothesis is not being considered, that of withdrawal. When asked about this by Autosport, Cyril Abiteboul, head of Renault Sport F1, responds: « No chance, I want to ensure that we can find a way to move forward. I don’t want us to leave F1, because it’s a great marketing platform for what we aim to achieve in countries like China or India. »
For several weeks, the rumor of Renault acquiring the Toro Rosso team has been persistent, while at the same time the alliance with Red Bull Racing is facing serious difficulties and criticism from the Austrian manufacturer’s top management.
