Red Bull and Renault’s relationship has become fractious during the last two seasons following a string of reliability and performance problems. Red Bull has a contract with Renault that runs until the end of 2016, but AUTOSPORT reports sources as “adamant” that the relationship will not continue next year.
It is understood Red Bull has issued a document requesting a termination of the partnership that will be accepted by Renault. This comes after Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat took their seventh engines of the season for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, resulting in big grid penalties. It also leaves Red Bull with Mercedes and Ferrari as the only realistic options for power next season.
Renault’s future in Formula 1 has been the subject of speculation this season. It is understood that it has ruled out being an engine supplier to customer teams next year, which has implications for its second outfit Toro Rosso.
That leaves Renault with two options: buy Lotus, where a deal is poised to be agreed, or leave F1 altogether, which a source suggests remains a possibility.