Mateschitz confirms end of Red Bull partnership with Renault

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Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has confirmed the team's partnership with Renault will finish at the end of this season.

Relations between the two have been strained since Renault struggled with the new power unit regulations introduced in 2014. In recent months it has become clear Renault is intent on returning to F1 as a full constructor, with a takeover of Lotus in the pipeline.

While Renault's deal with Red Bull and Toro Rosso was due to end after the 2016 season, Mateschitz has now confirmed it will not continue next year.

"The separation from engine partner takes place at the end of the season by mutual consensus," Mateschitz told Speedweek. "It made no more sense to work together."

Red Bull is likely to use Ferrari power units next season after a Mercedes deal was ruled out, while the BBC's Eddie Jordan claims Volkswagen is set to take over the team in 2018.

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