Renault extends Red Bull's engine decision deadline

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Cyril Abiteboul insists Renault isn't against continuing its engine supply deal with Red Bull Racing next year, and to prove its good faith the manufacturer has extended the team's engine decision deadline by two weeks.

As Red Bull ponders its power unit choice for the future, the Milton Keynes-based outfit is weighing an extension of its deal with Renault or switching its allegiance to Honda which currently supplies Toro Rosso.

Engine manufacturers must confirm to the FIA their customer list by May 15, but an extension is possible if the governing body and a manufacturer agree.

Red Bull and Honda formally initiate talks over 2019 engine deal

Renault has now awarded Red Bull an additional two weeks to decide their power unit supplier for 2019.

"After twelve years together marked by many wins, we would be ready to continue with them," Abiteboul told France's Auto-Hebdo.

"The number one issue is timing. We won't be able to guarantee the availability of a Renault engine for 2019 beyond May 31. We were nice, we gave them two extra weeks."

However, Red Bull initiated talks with Honda in Azerbaijan, and will continue discussions with the Japanese manufacturer this week in Spain.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner recently insisted that when the time comes for the team to choose its engine partner for 2019, the primary criteria will be performance.

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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.