Renault weighing up F1 future

With Manor rumoured to be switching to year-old Mercedes engines for 2016, Ferrari nonetheless faces the potential of supplying five teams in 2016 – itself, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Sauber and the incoming Haas.

We have been clear in saying “don’t count on us as a provider of engines”.

Red Bull is understood to have served notice on its contract with Renault, and Mercedes has decided against being its supplier.

“Nico is closer than us compared to Lewis but as long as the chances are there we need to try and make everything possible”.

The French auto manufacturer is now involved in detailed negotiations with Lotus with regard to taking a majority stake in the team, and also with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone over whether it will be granted historical status, which in turn will ensure it receives a greater share of future revenues.

The relationship between Red Bull and its engine supplier has broken down in recent months amid the Renault power unit’s lack of competitiveness this year compared to those of Mercedes and Ferrari, which has left the Anglo-Austrian squad a distant fourth place in the constructors’ standings.

The decision to run its own team or leave the sport is said to hinge on whether Renault is awarded extra prize money that is afforded to teams that have historically supported F1.

“Red Bull’s treatment of Renault during the previous six years had been instrumental in the company’s decision”, he said. “I think we are today renegotiating the contracts, so it’s too early to say what’s going to be the conclusion of the contract”.

After winning three races in 2014 and finishing third in the driver’s championship, the Australian has endured a frustrating 2015, registering just one podium finish and constant problems with the Renault engine powering Red Bull.

“So we started to feel the return on this investment was very weak”. It was the team that was winning. “It is clear that if you provide engines you aren’t mentioned when you win and you are criticised when you have problems”.

I don’t think it’s a question of being fair or unfair.

While talks with Ecclestone are ongoing, Ghosn has said that the situation for him remains unclear, and there is a chance Renault could still withdraw from F1 totally. “Again I say, you should win and lose together”.