The already fragile relationship between Red Bull and engine partner Renault is under further pressure following Abiteboul comments.

In the official pre-Malaysia press release, Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul is measured in his comments regarding the problems encountered in Melbourne by Red Bull.

"Australia certainly wasn't an easy weekend and we fell short of our own expectations, and those of our clients," he admitted.

"We need to work together to understand our issues, both within the Power Unit and the chassis," he continued. "Our figures have shown that the lap time deficit between Red Bull and Mercedes in Melbourne was equally split between driveability issues, engine performance and chassis performance. It's therefore the overall package that needs some help and we have been working with the team to move forward."

However, speaking to France's Auto Hebdo, Abiteboul was a little more... frank.

Asked about Adrian Newey's post-Melbourne claim that the problem lay entirely with Renault and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel, Abiteboul said: "It's difficult to have a partner who lies. Adrian is a charming man and an engineer without parallel, but he's spent his life criticising engine partners. He's too old to change his ways."

Whilst much of the media attention this weekend will be on returnee Fernando Alonso, the apparent deterioration in the relationship between Red Bull and Renault will also be in the spotlight.

Indeed, at a time Renault is said to be considering buying a team (again), and following the comments made by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko in the wake of the season opener, in the long run this is likely to be a much bigger story.

It is clear that Renault has problems, as does Red Bull, however, to indulge in such public mud-slinging is not only unprofessional it is distracting both parties from getting on with the real job in hand.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Yeyox02, 25/03/2015 21:58

"1.- I agree 1000% with what Cyril Abiteboul told Auto Hebdo.
2.- I will never buy a Renault car or a car with Renault engine, sure. "

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2. Posted by Editor, 25/03/2015 18:23

""The 'principal' of failed Lotus Cars and Caterham F1 "

He was never at Lotus.

However, the word is that he was placed at Caterham by Renault in order to keep an eye on things as the French manufacturer was hearing some worrying reports coming out of Leafield. Turns out they were correct."

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3. Posted by kiwi2wheels, 25/03/2015 18:17

"" Renault may have said to dear Cyril Atibulleeeee (who i think is a waste of space anyway) ...."

You nailed that 100%. The " principal " of failed Lotus Cars and Caterham F1 is in a position that he knows even less about than his previous two failures. The head of Renault Sport needs to be a engineer who can understand the problems and work with their teams, not a talking head spewing scheiss."

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4. Posted by REV, 25/03/2015 13:32

"What ever happened to "we win and lose together"? I'm glad that Renault has hit back and defended themselves. Wonder though where this is going to end up."

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5. Posted by BWesty, 25/03/2015 11:16

"jut like a marriage, one minute everything's Hunky Dory, the next, someone is more interested in what the neighbour has to offer (a Mercedes or Ferrari power plant maybe???) then all hell breaks lose.....lol:D
bottom line is the technological change from Petrol to Hybrid was just too big a leap for the poor boys from Renault... now Red bull has lost interest in their Bride who helped them win 4!...needs I say it again, 4!!!!! world titles... aaaaah, loyalty, tis but a fickle thing in F1... "

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6. Posted by Hondawho?, 25/03/2015 11:13

"Having worked with the French for over 30 years and quite honestly not an issue with it at all, I have a feeling there are "higher politics going on here". Its the way they work.

Renault have made it clear (TBC Ed please?) that they want another F1 team and Red Bull could well be for sale, so it would be in Renault's interest to get it as cheap as possible and therefore if its not performing then, that would help of course. They may not want Adrian Newey (who was, I seem to remember going to retire anyway?) and Christian Horner who may well be a shareholder in the team.

Renault may have said to dear Cyril Atibulleeeee (who i think is a waste of space anyway) he will be the next team principle at a Renault F1 team, and Horner could be fighting that possibility? CH may end up at McLaren of course with Adrian again if that what he/they want?

I would not be at all surprised that DM (Mr Red Bull) has already made a decision about leaving F1 and the rest is negotiation BUT as always, what do I know? LOL and all IMHO.........

Wonderful living in free country with freedom of opinion, but as long as its kept polite and to a degree of fun then what the heck :-)"

Relationship between Renault and Red Bull takes a turn for the worse

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