Red Bull 'hiding the facts' over Honda gains, say Renault

Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul says Honda still lags behind the French marque's power unit in terms of output and says optimistic claims about 2019 made by Red Bull is only evidence of the team "hiding the facts". Renault and Red Bull's messy divorce continues to be played out in the forum of agitated soundbites and Abiteboul believes his former customers will line up in Australia next year at a disadvantage.

Red Bull have talked up the work being done by Honda ahead of next year, claiming that they already have evidence that they will enjoy an immediate power boost.

Renault's struggles to match Mercedes and Ferrari routinely frustrated Red Bull as their period of Formula 1 dominance dissolved at the dawning of the V6 Hybrid era.

However, Abiteboul suggests that Red Bull have erred in jumping ship.

"Honda is still 20 kilowatts behind us," Abiteboul told Marca.

"I know what Red Bull says but they're hiding the facts and manipulating the data. I understand their communication strategy, but there are no facts.

"Eventually it will be seen that Honda is 20 kilowatts behind and that they have not moved from their current position."

Abiteboul's claims come hot on the heels from Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko delivering his own bullish preview for 2019.

"We do not need to discuss that because next year we will see what our position is," he told Auto Motor und Sport of Red Bull's switch to Honda.

"Mr Abiteboul will continue to daydream but next year it will be completely clear."

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