Renault still looking to change the rules

French manufacturer Renault will still be looking to change the engine regulations for the 2018 Formula One World Championship.

Renault are one of just three manufacturers in Formula One, alongside Mercedes and Ferrari.

They also currently supply power-units to Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful teams in the sport in recent years and from next season they will also supply McLaren.

But they continue to struggle in the turbo-hybrid era, playing a permanent game of catch-up both in performance and reliability to Mercedes and Ferrari.

That is set to continue this season as new regulations stipulate that teams will only be allowed three power-units before being hit with penalties.

In 2017 the regulations allowed for four power-units and that proved hard enough for the likes of Honda and Renault who suffered numerous grid penalties throughout the season.

Some within Formula One attempted to make a change to the regulations, but the move would need unanimous approval, something that seems unlikely.

It means that the first priority of designing the power-unit is reliability, over a 21 race season, each power-unit component has to last for seven races.

There is little point in it being quick if it retires before the chequered flag, but equally it is called motor racing for a reason…….

‘It’s a headache but it’s a known headache, We knew that it was coming so we have built our plans and strategy accordingly. Right now there is nothing to indicate that we can’t stick to this plan. Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul told Sky Sports.

‘Having said that, I still don’t believe it’s the right thing for Formula 1 and will still have another go [to change it] in the upcoming discussions with FIA and FOM and other teams because I don’t think it really makes sense for anyone.’