Red Bull Racing will end its longtime relationship with engine supplier Renault, at the end of the season, according to AUTOSPORT.
Since the introduction of the V6 turbo era in Formula 1, Renault has had an array of performance and reliability issues that has led to a tumultuous relationship with the Milton Keynes-based squad.
Red Bull’s contract with the French manufacturer was set to expire at the end of the 2016 season, with long-standing rumors that the team could break the contract without penalty due to performance issues.
Both Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat encountered grid penalties after having to move to their seventh engines of the season at Monza, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
The choice to move away from Renault leaves Red Bull with Mercedes or Ferrari as likely candidates to become their new engine supplier.
Renault will not supply to customer teams, thus leaving Toro Rosso, largely considered Red Bull’s junior team, in a predicament with a likelihood of moving back to Ferrari power.
With its future in F1 up in the air, Renault’s chances of being in the sport now hinge on buying out Lotus – a deal that many sources say is poised to happen.
Image: Red Bull Content Pool
