Not very long ago, were Renault and Red Bull the best of partners. Naturally, it would be the bond built having won four consecutive World Championships together.
But the decline began, and Red Bull were puzzled in the manner which Renault engines started performing. And when it was clear the relationship was beyond repair, the divorce came through in 2018.
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Now nearly two years later, their paths might potentially cross. But believe it or not, neither Red Bull nor Renault are not exactly keen on rekindling that relationship.
Renault not expecting to be Red Bull’s Plan A
Following Honda’s shock announcement of their 2021 exit, Red Bull are on the search for a new engine supplier. And though there are limited options at hand, Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul thinks that a reunion, after last time’s showdown, would certainly seem ‘awkward’.
Speaking in an interview, he stated, “I think so, but we need obviously to look at the sport. And I think we are still very far away from having to possibly cross that bridge.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Tuscan Grand Prix – Mugello, Scarperia e San Piero, Italy – Red Bull’s Alexander Albon in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Miguel Medina
“I can’t imagine that Red Bull would not have some plan in the background. Clearly they must have been aware of this, and Helmut [Marko] and Christian are full of moves and solutions. I don’t expect that we will be their Plan A!”
It would seem that Red Bull would be resigned to approaching Renault, should they not crack a deal with another engine manufacturer in time.
Because per the FIA sporting regulations, the engine supplier with the lowest number of partner teams will be required to supply a competitor that has no possible options.
Renault only looking to comply with regulations
Although do change in sport, it is tough to see how a partnership would be built between Red Bull and Renault. Especially after what all was said between the two team principals.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Renault’s Esteban Ocon and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo in action during the race. Pool via REUTERS/Pavel Golovkin
But, Abiteboul simply believes in following the regulations provided by the sport. Christian Horner would also want to tread on similar lines, dealing with them as a formal customer. If at all it comes to that.
Red Bull are ahead of Renault in this season’s Constructors Standings. But come 2021, we could potentially see the gap between these two teams reduce and come closer to each other.
