Cyril Abiteboul has admitted that Renault could buy Toro Rosso or perhaps even walk away from the sport.

Clearly still hurting from the public criticism the manufacturer received from Red Bull in the wake of the Australian Grand Prix, Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul admitted that the company is still considering its options.

At a time the French manufacturer is being linked with the purchase of a team, just a few years after selling its Enstone-based squad, Abiteboul admitted that the ongoing bad publicity, not to mention costs of the sport, could drive it either way.

"We are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula One," he told reporters at today's press conference. "Honestly, if Formula One is that bad for Renault's reputation, if we see that we will continue to struggle with the current formula, if the sport is not delivering on the value that it costs...

"We think we are a credible player in the sport," he continued, "but you need to think about what else we need to do on top of what we already are. Right now, the focus remains on the engine."

Although tense, the press conference, which saw Abiteboul seated between the bosses of the two teams his company is supplying, wasn’t the sparring match many had hoped for, though it had its moments, the Frenchman clearly uncomfortable when asked about his comments regarding Adrian Newey, the Renault boss having called him a liar.

Asked about the speculation linking his team with a possible buy-out by the French manufacturer, Franz Tost said such a move would be a fantastic opportunity for the Faenza outfit.

"The team wants to be established in the future within the top five of the Constructor's Championship and to be owned by a manufacturer would be exactly the step forward which the team needs," he said.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 28/03/2015 5:39

"Cyril, Marshal Petain is a lousy model. Try again. Need to buy a team? Buy Caterham, too!"

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2. Posted by The stogie, 27/03/2015 18:35

"Renault has a short memory - just a couple of years ago THEY were the cock of the walk. Now they can't keep up so they want to quit, SURRENDER, take their marbles and go home. Hey, wait, isn't that what happened to the French in WW II?? If it hadn't been for the Brits, Canucks, Aussies and Americans there would be NO Renault."

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Renault looking at all options

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