Red Bull has an alphabet of options before calling Renault - Abiteboul

Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul believes Red Bull has numerous options it views as preferable ahead of reuniting with its former power unit supplier.

The successful relationship between Red Bull and Renault ended in a drawn-out war of words between Abiteboul and Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner as the pair rowed over the pace and reliability of the French manufacturer's engine before splitting in 2018.

After Honda pulled the rug from under Red Bull by announcing its decision to quit Formula 1 at the end of 2021, the team is again in the market for a partner.

While open to helping, Abiteboul is confident the team will seek to put another plan in place before approaching him for a deal.

"I can’t imagine that they don’t have a plan A or a plan B and I think we are pretty far in the pecking order of the alphabet before they call us again," said Abiteboul.

At present, there have been no discussions between the two parties, with Abiteboul adding: "I can confirm that I have not been contacted by Red Bull in relation to engine supply.”

Should Red Bull fail in its quest to find a new engine partner, regulations stipulate the manufacturer supplying the fewest teams must step in to provide a power unit.

As Renault will only power its own factory team from next year, it is possible a deal could be forced upon the manufacturer, something Abiteboul says he is prepared for.

“When you are a participant to the sport you have to accept the rules," said the Renault boss. "It’s part of the sporting regulation so we know what that is.

“We also know the details including in terms of timing. As anyone can check in the sporting regulations, there is still quite a lot of time before we get there."

The FIA's sporting regulations state that a PU manufacturer must declare by the end of May next year the teams it will be supplying for 2022.

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