The FIA will need to revisit its regulations on the supply of F1 power units. At present no manufacturer can supply more than four teams and Honda has so far shown no interest in recruiting another team to their stable.
Today, the Chairman of Renault-Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, confirms they will no longer be supplying customer teams in Formula One.
A bitter sounding Ghosn explained at the Frankfurt Motor Show: “We have been clear in saying ‘don’t count on us as a provider of engines’. It is clear that if you provide engines you aren’t mentioned when you win and you are criticised when you have problems.
“We already alerted the Formula 1 authorities that ‘Don’t count on us as a provider of an engine. It’s over’”.
Clearly the heavy and public criticisms Renault have received from the Red Bull hierarchy have significantly affected Renault’s thinking. When asked whether comments from Marko, Horner and Mateschitz had been fair, he retorted: “It is not a question of fair, it is a question of sportsmanship. A team should win and lose together. What has been said is a question of sportsmanship. Again I say, you should win and lose together.”
Christian Horner admitted in Monza he had been talking to other F1 power unit manufacturers: “Inevitably it is my job to talk with everybody, so you do your necessary due diligence.”
Mercedes have announced they will not supply Red Bull with their power units, bad blood still runs deep in Stuttgart over the way the fizzy drinks sponsored teams bailed out of the collective bargaining with Ecclestone at the end of the last Concorde agreement.
Mercedes will most likely supply Manor F1, which frees up a spot in the Ferrari engine stable. But only one.
However, Ferrari have confirmed they would supply Red Bull with engines in 2016, though the rather desperate state Red Bull find themselves in means their negotiating hand is week.
Ghosn concluded his press conference confirming no decision has yet been made on Renault’s F1 future. “We will either exit or run our own team. We don’t have a clear decision yet.”
Lotus are facing a petition from creditors for payment and may yet be placed into administration by a London court on Friday.
CEO Matthew Carter admits, “No one wants that to happen, We just need to ensure that everyone is paid.”
Carter and other senior Lotus representatives have made it patently clear that they would welcome becoming a Renault works team once again.
However, the Renault decision to buy Lotus hangs on whether Ecclestone will recognise them as a ‘historic team’, given their championship winning years in 2005/06.
This status would see Renault receive up to £30 million from FOM as part of their funding of their F1 2016 entrant.
Bad news whatever you think of red bull or renault. This is not good for f1.
Agreed. Having trouble tho getting my head around the ‘historic’ significance of 2005.
Ten years ago…who is kidding who. No way.
I don’t know if Renault only want the money because of those two (Michelin) championships, or because of their overall contribution to the sport, which is impressive and also the reasoning behind Mercs status.
It’s not just their two championship winning years, they’ve also been involved in F1 as a constructor, engine supplier or both for various periods since the 70s, were the first to take on turbocharging in F1, have been on the podium and the top step of it many times over the years, etc.
That said, I think “historical” payments for any of the teams are a load of rubbish.
This would be comical if it wasn’t so sad.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. This is a really sad and pathetic state of affairs.
Renault’s position is completely understandable. But anything which helps accelerate the collapse of F1 as it currently exists is to be welcomed.
Im sorry but no sympathy here..Renault have pulled this crap before, Their V8 was poorly designed and built until they received a special dispensation to fix it. RF1 has turned up in the new Turbo era with a conventional Turbo and a so called Long term plan after they were blown away by mercedes.. Do i see Ghosns point in not enough credit fpr a 20 odd hp down V8 maybe, where Renault should have received credit is for Engine mapping for the blown diffuser simple, RF1 PR sucked balls.
I’m not sure I agree with the whole historic accreditation providing preferential dispensation for anyone but I do miss the Yellowjackets. C’mon BE, just throw another race on the calendar…
No major factory will produce for Formula 1 simply for “customers”. A serious manufacturer who is trying to extract marketing value from F1 needs either a serious works team or a factory team. Without either of these, there is no point in supplying engines to the likes of Sauber or Manor. So Ghosn’s comment makes sense, but it also means one thing: either Renault will bail out of F1 or Renault will run a factory team.
Autosport are now reporting the Renault and Red Bull are renegotiating their contracts.
very good sharing
Change is required.
If F1 needs a crisis to force change – its better than the dumbed down “pinnacle of motorsport” thats been served up to fans and drivers.
If F1 doesnt survive this crisis, something better will surely replace it.
Its only the vested interests that want us to believe otherwise.