'Engine updates precarious for Renault's commitment'

Renault will probably quit formula one if the 'engine freeze' rules are not changed. That is the claim of Christian Horner, boss of the French carmaker's premier customer Red Bull. At present, strong rumours indicate Renault is unhappy with its current situation and is looking at buying back the Enstone based team it sold to Lotus at the end of 2009.

But until the end of 2016, supply contracts between Renault and the two Red Bull-owned teams, including Toro Rosso, are set to run. After that, Horner said in Canada, a failure to change the current restrictions on engine development will be akin to F1 "almost waving goodbye" to Renault.

A complex 'token' system means engine suppliers were able to add performance for 2015, but the amount of allowed development tapers off in 2016 and beyond. And the 'in-season' development loophole this year has been closed off completely for 2016.

Asked if struggling Renault's rivals, including Mercedes, would agree to change the rules, Horner said: "They don't have to obviously but it is at a precarious point in terms of Renault's commitment to the future. If F1 can afford to lose an engine manufacturer, stick to 28 February," he is quoted by the BBC, referring to the current freeze deadline for 2016. (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar