Red Bull Formula 1 is reportedly "set to split with engine partner Renault" at the end of the '18 season, according to Andrew Benson of the BBC. Renault told Red Bull it no longer wants to supply the team after next season, "and while the move has not been officially confirmed, insiders say the divorce is almost certain." Red Bull "will be forced to use Honda engines with both its teams" in '19. McLaren's switch from Honda engines to Renault for the next three seasons, the same period as Toro Rosso's Honda contract, "is also due to be announced on Friday as part of a busy series of news developments" at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Renault will also confirm that it signed Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz for '18, to replace Jolyon Palmer as a teammate to German Nico Hülkenberg (BBC, 9/14).
RICCIARDO ON THE MOVE?: In London, Rebecca Clancy reported Daniel Ricciardo's future at Red Bull "is in doubt if the team starts using a Honda engine." Ricciardo "is one of the most talented drivers on the grid and his loss to the team would be a big blow," but he indicated that a "change to the worst engine on the grid could affect where he races" from '19 onward. Red Bull "will be hoping Honda can improve," as it "may be forced to take that engine" from the '19 season. Under the rules, a team "cannot be left without an engine supplier, but Red Bull would have a tough time" arguing it had no supplier if Renault does drop it, "given Honda supplies the junior team and has made it clear" it can supply two teams. If Honda cannot improve, "Ricciardo will certainly be looking at his options." The 28-year-old "is out of contract at the end of next year, and while he insists he is not looking that far in advance," when asked if a Honda engine would dictate his future, he said, "Potentially" (LONDON TIMES, 9/14).
