Renault and Red Bull heading to a split?

Renault has allegedly warned Red Bull that it will no longer supply its power unit to the team once its contract expires at the end of 2018.

According to Sportsmail, the fractious nature of Renault's relationship with the Milton Keynes-based outfit has incited the  French manufacturer to terminate its partnership with Red Bull.

The rumored split follows news - which has yet to be officially confirmed - of a new supply deal between Renault and McLaren from 2018, and a tie-up between Toro Rosso and Honda.

• Red Bull buyout by Porsche thesis gathers pace

The latter news is of obviously of particular interest to Red Bull which could switch to a supply of Japanese power for 2019 as it banks on Honda improving the dismal performance and reliability of its engine over the course of the next 12 months.

Reports have also linked Red Bull Racing to a potential buy-out by Porsche as the German manufacturer mulls a possible return to F1 beyond 2020, when the sport ushers in a new set of engine regulations.

A Red Bull-Renault split would also generate speculation over the fate of both Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen beyond 2018, with neither driver contracted to their current employer at the end of next season.

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