Red Bull left 'exposed' by F1 engine decision - Renault

Red Bull's decision to remain an independent team rather than build its own Formula 1 engine has left it "exposed", according to its current engine supplier Renault

The team's struggle to remain competitive in the era of V6 hybrid engines led to it pursuing Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda power for 2016, before it eventually renegotiated its deal to remain with Renault.

Last month Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko admitted the energy drinks company considered building its own engine, but it decided the project would be too complex.

Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul told Autosport: "This [the engine situation] has been causing a lot of frustration [for Red Bull].

"I think Red Bull realised how fragile and exposed they were to performance - or lack of performance - from an engine supplier.

"That is something not in their remit because they have elected to be an independent team without building their own engine, which is a responsibility.

"They could spend a bit of the money they get from FOM into developing an engine, but they've decided to spend it on the chassis and driver development.

"That is why they are so strong in those two areas, but they are exposed. That's been the downside of their strategy."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed frustration at F1's four engine manufacturers for failing to finalise plans to address cost, supply, noise and performance convergence, accusing them of "stalling" to let the April 30 deadline lapse.

With Horner feeling it is inevitable that an independent engine concept will have to be put back on the table in F1, Abiteboul says he can understand the reasoning.

"What Red Bull wants, like everyone, is a competitive engine," Abiteboul said.

"So if he has the confidence there will be a competitive engine on the table - from a manufacturer or from an independent source - I'm sure he will be happy.

"But I'm sure if a manufacturer, even a French manufacturer - and we've had very successful years together - is capable of providing a competitive engine, it's something that could be acceptable in the future for them.

"What they want is to be competitive. Their only target is competitiveness, not tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but now.

"So whatever gives them that possibility would be welcome, including an FIA engine."