Renault sets Red Bull deadline for decision on engine.
Renault wants to know by the end of May if Red Bull racing wants to keep using Renault engines in 2019 or switch, for example to Honda.
Red Bulls training team Toro Rosso has changed from Renault to Honda engines before 2018 and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has indicated that Red Bull keeps a close eye on its development and that everything is open with regard to Red Bull's motor situation before 2019 and after that.
Surprisingly, are these statements by Horner not. Red Bull have had a stiff relationship with its engine supplier for some time. In 2015, Red Bull was serious about a break with Renault but eventually, they could not find another engine supplier. In 2017 the rumor sang that Renault after 2018 does not want to continue with Red Bull, although there is still nothing definite.
Deadline
On behalf of Renault managing director, Cyril Abiteboul with a view to 2019 that makes it clear that Renault 'will not wait forever for Red Bull'. "I know what Christian meant when he said that Red Bull has options. I also know how the contracts work and what commitment we have to the sport, but it is also a matter of time planning. "
With this last remark, Abiteboul is referring to the FIA rule, which must prevent teams from being without a motor supplier and, if necessary, obliged to supply the manufacturers. "I believe the deadline is at the end of May. As far as I am concerned, this is also our deadline, "says the Frenchman.
By the end of May, the complete engine program does not have to be complete, but a team must be committed to a manufacturer. Teams can also close motor deals after this deadline - as Toro Rosso and Honda did in 2017 - but then no longer fall back on the obligation to deliver.
Horner worries
Horner has already expressed his worries about Renault's engine program this year, with the French firm that has focused on reliability over the winter and hopes to be around performance level at the Abu Dhabi 2017 level in early 2018. Renault is already considering the possible strategic planning of grid penalties for engine changes to introduce new engine specifications.
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