Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

Red Bull split with Renault imminent...

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Red Bull Racing is on the verge of terminating its partnership with Renault, with a split becoming effective as soon as 2016.

According to Autosport, the Milton Keynes outfit has sent the French manufacturer a document requesting termination of the pair's collaboration, which Renault will likely accept.

The strained and contentious relationship between Red Bull and Renault has developed on the back of a disastrous 2015 campaign, with the French power unit suffering from appalling reliability and a sub-par performance level which have led to Red Bull enduring its worst season in its existence.

Red Bull's Christian Horner said over the Italian Grand Prix weekend that the team was awaiting a response from Renault over its future F1 plans.

“Time is starting to press on now,” he said. “We are now into September and everyone needs to know what are Renault’s plans for the future. within the next two weeks. We should all know what Renault’s position is.”

It remains to be seen whether Red Bull's unilateral decision, should it be confirmed, would lead to a financial penalty for the British team, or whether the split would be contractually labeled as 'mutually agreed'.

As for Renault, an announcement regarding its Formula 1 future is expected any day now, with a buy-out of Lotus expected as the most likely outcome.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.