Still no engine talks with Red Bull - Abiteboul

Cyril Abiteboul says Red Bull is still yet to ask about a supply of customer engines for 2022.

The energy drink-owned outfit needs to replace departing works partner Honda.

"The decision should be taken at the end of year, because the engine is an integral part of the design of the car in 2022," team boss Christian Horner insists.

However, Abiteboul says Renault can actually afford to wait longer than that.

"We know that we may be asked to supply engines to a team that does not have a contract for 2022," the Renault boss said. "But this does not need to happen until mid-May.

"There is still a lot of time before that."

At the Nurburgring, Abiteboul was photographed in the Red Bull motorhome during a meeting with Red Bull’s Horner and Dr Helmut Marko, and new Renault CEO Luca de Meo (photo).

"Speaking about negotiations, Helmut Marko has always been my contact person," the Frenchman insists. "I think that will remain the case.

"Dietrich Mateschitz is familiar with Luca de Meo so they may have discussed something, but we are not in any negotiations yet," Abiteboul added.

Mercedes has already ruled out an engine deal for Red Bull, and it is also the case that Ferrari and Renault are direct competitors as well.

Red Bull is happy to be steadily improving its performance relative to Mercedes.

"We want to optimise the car in order to attack from the very beginning next year," said Marko.

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve thinks a missing link in the Red Bull project, however, is a driver strong enough to sit alongside Max Verstappen.

"In collaboration with Red Bull, Max is increasingly able to get that car on the right path," he told Sky Italia.

"The primary advantage for Mercedes, however, is that they have two drivers at their disposal who do that. That is necessary for a top team."