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Verstappen criticism is unfair - Renault

Photo: © LAT Images

Verstappen criticism is unfair - Renault

Max Verstappen's criticism of Renault has been unfair, the French marque's boss Cyril Abiteboul has said. Relations between Red Bull and Renault have soured through the V6 Hybrid era, but Abiteboul says he remains to ending their relationship on a high.

Verstappen has made a habit of mentioning Red Bull's power deficit at almost every race in 2018, with the team having entered 2018 with designs on battling for title honours, only to be a distant third to Mercedes and Ferrari yet again.

Red Bull will jump ship to Honda in 2019 – albeit with Daniel Ricciardo moving to Renault's works team – ending a 12-year union with Renault which took in four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships in 2010-2013 with Sebastian Vettel.

With Renault having introduced a more powerful engine which recently helped Verstappen take second place at the Singapore Grand Prix, Abiteboul says continued criticism is out of line.

"It's a bit unfair," Abiteboul told Sky Sports. "We know we have more to do on the engine side but just look at what is capable in Sochi, a track that is highly power sensitive.

"He also did a front row [in Singapore] with the C-spec so I think it's a bit unfair.

"They have a good car but the engine is making steps.

"I don't want to see Max, or anyone in particular, spoil the fantastic relationship we have had with Red Bull over 12 years.

"We need to finish on a high with Red Bull this season."

MORE: 'Leclerc is more mature than Verstappen'
MORE: 'Verstappen made rivals look like they were driving in the wet!'

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