F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Renault keeping a low profile in discussions with Liberty

Renault's Cyril Abiteboul says the manufacturer's involvement in discussions with Liberty Media over the future of the sport is governed by discretion in an attempt to avoid "unnecessary noise".

Formula 1 will soon enter a crucial period of negotiations, with Liberty laying down its definitive regulations platform for 2021 while also defining a new prize distribution scheme which will likely benefit the sport's smaller outfits.

Not all teams are on board with the plans Liberty has released to date however, but Abiteboul believes discretion is the better part of valor as it aims to continue its constructive relationship with F1's commercial rights holder rather than publicly exert disruptive pressure like some of its rivals.

"I don’t want to point my finger at other manufacturers but even in the most difficult times in financial crisis Renault tried to look for ways to stabilise and look after employment in Enstone, while also finding solutions with Red Bull," Abiteboul told Crash.net.

"I think we’ve been extremely loyal to the F1 community and we’re not trying to make unnecessary noise about ourselves.

"We are trying to keep our heads down to do the job that we have to do which is challenging enough. I think F1 recognises that and sees we can work in partnership."

F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches attended a Renault promotional event in Paris this week, two days after the team unveiled its new R.S.18 charger. The venue was also an opportunity for the Liberty executive and Renault Sport F1 manager to talk.

"He [Bratches] sees in Renault a team that has been loyal to Formula 1 for 40 years.

"We’ve been doing things a little bit differently from the other manufacturers. We have a real loyalty to the community."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Colapinto back in the saddle with Alpine at Monza TPC test

While Alpine’s race team battled it out at the Japanese Grand Prix last Sunday, reserve…

4 hours ago

Williams' Browning joins rookie frenzy in Bahrain FP1

Williams Racing Academy member Luke Browning is set to add his name to the bustling…

5 hours ago

Ferrari rejects SF-25 ride-height rumors: 'It's the same for everyone'

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has dismissed rumours that the Scuderia is grappling with a…

7 hours ago

One British F1 driver's forgettable season with McLaren

Ex-F1 driver Mark Blundell was born on this day 59 years ago. The British charger…

8 hours ago

Drugovich in action with Aston Martin in Bahrain FP1

Aston Martin’s test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will swap simulator screens for the real…

9 hours ago

Alonso calls out Japanese GP snooze fest: 'Just like Monaco'

Fernando Alonso finished just outside the points in last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix but offered…

10 hours ago