Renault prepared to take risks to beat top F1 teams

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says the team must be prepared to take risks with reliability in order to catch up the top teams in Formula 1.

Renault has struggled in 2019, becoming the first power unit supplier to suffer retirement from a race in the very first round with Carlos Sainz's McLaren giving up on him due to an MGU-K issue.

With Red Bull switching to Honda power for this season, many regard Renault as the slowest power unit in the sport and Abiteboul has conceded the team has to be bold to change that perception.

“We have had another retirement [in China], the fourth in six starts, three of these were due to reliability issues,” he is quoted by Motorsport Week.

“If our objective this season - to widen the midfield gap - remains unchanged then we must accept to put in strong efforts to resolve these issues that could compromise our season.

“Nevertheless, we will push on and bring new elements over the next races. Baku is often unpredictable, the racing there is thrilling and it is an opportunity to capitalise on rivals’ errors whilst avoiding making some ourselves.”