Renault said it is "reviewing" all its F1 options, including "quitting the sport or buying the Toro Rosso team, after stinging criticism" of its engine, according to John O'Brien of REUTERS. The French manufacturer "has been at loggerheads" with main partners Red Bull since Mercedes "dominated" the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 15. Despite signs of improvement, Renault Sport F1 Managing Dir Cyril Abiteboul was "pulling no punches." Abiteboul: "I can confirm that we are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula One. We think we are a credible player in the sport but you need to think about what else we need to do on top of what we already are. But right now, the focus remains on the engine." Toro Rosso Principal Franz Tost "recognised speculation" that Renault could buy his team and said it "would be a 'fantastic opportunity'" (REUTERS, 3/27). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Red Bull said that it has no plans to "make their own engine and could be forced out of Formula One if current partners Renault walk away." Team Principal Christian Horner said, "We have no intention of being an engine manufacturer." Horner said that if Renault decided to quit the sport, a possibility raised by Abiteboul, then Red Bull "might not be able to find an alternative." Horner emphasized, however, that Red Bull -- which has "committed to Formula One until 2020 -- wanted to continue." Horner: "Red Bull want to compete, Red Bull want to be in Formula One and we want to try and address some of the issues that are currently plaguing the sport that we don’t seem to be able to find any traction with" (REUTERS, 3/27).
