Renault keeping a low profile in discussions with Liberty

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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.

Liberty's Bratches: 'We are not here to please people'

"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."

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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.