Renault open to supply Red Bull with engines after Honda quits F1

Renault, the French multinational automobile manufacturer’s team boss Cyril Abiteboul said that they are ready to fulfill their obligations under the rules of F1 if Red Bull demands an engine supply. 

Red Bull’s current engine supplier, Japan-based Honda had announced that it would quit Formula 1 at the end of season in 2021 to focus on zero-emission technologies. Honda’s announcement leaves Red Bull Racing and its sister team AlphaTauri looking for a new supply of power units for 2022.

The sporting regulations state that “each manufacturer must supply at least three teams if called upon to do so by the FIA.”

Next year, Mercedes will supply four teams, with Ferrari powering three, Honda two while Renault will be powering only its own factory outfit.

“We know the laws and we will comply with the regulations,” said Abiteboul.

Red Bull had won four drivers’ and constructors’ titles in a row with Renault engines between 2010 and 2013. Renault said that Red Bull is yet to approach and make a request, but there is plenty of time for any discussions, the company added.

The rules include a window from May next year for engine manufacturers to inform the governing FIA about which teams they plan to supply.

“I guess that it is only at this point in time that will be discussed if Red Bull fail to find a solution, which I really hope will not be the situation,” said Abiteboul.

“When you participate in a sport you need to accept the obligations that are associated. As far as we are concerned, it’s part of the sporting regulations and we would comply to this obligation,” he added.

In the V6 turbo era that began in 2014, Renault and Red Bull fell parted ways following the poor performance of the engine to such a degree that they used the power units of the French manufacturer under the brand name Tag Heuer.

In 2019, Red Bull shifted to Honda, winning races with the Japanese firm. Red Bull and AlphaTauri have had Grand Prix wins this season.