Renault convinced Honda is 'hiding the facts' from Red Bull

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While Red Bull Racing trumpets its optimism about the progress and potential of new engine partner Honda, Renault's Cyril Abiteboul believes the claims are all speculation and no fact.

There is obviously no love lost between Red Bull and Renault after the pair's split, with both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko endlessly dressing down the French manufacturer, criticizing its lack of commitment and its inability in the past few seasons to bridge the power gap with rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.

Red Bull on the other hand is all bright eyed and bushy tailed when it comes to its prospects with Honda, hyping its expectations and its expressing delight with the Japanese engine's early progress.

Horner: Renault staff 'let down' by company's lack of commitment

For Abiteboul, it's just a smoke and mirrors game.

"Honda is still 20 kilowatts behind us," the Renault Sport F1 boss told Germany's Motorsport Magazin.

"I know what Red Bull says but they're hiding the facts and manipulating the data. I understand their communication strategy, but there are no facts.

"Eventually it will be seen that Honda is 20 kilowatts behind and that they have not moved from their current position."

Marko, who believes Red Bull will have a genuine chance to compete for the world championship in 2019 based on the information provided so far by Honda, is sticking by his shiny guns.

"We do not need to discuss that because next year we will see what our position is," he said.

"Mr Abiteboul will continue to daydream but next year it will be completely clear."

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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.