The official deadline long passed, it would appear that as Red Bull ponders whether to use Renault or Honda power from 2019, the Austrian team is facing Larry David levels of indecision and uncertainty.

Officially the deadline by which time engine manufacturers have to inform the FIA who they will be supplying next year was mid-May, but unable to make a decision Red Bull has stalled, and stalled and stalled, and is now seeking to make the decision at its home race at the end of the month.

However, running out of time and patience, Renault is now demanding a decision by its home race, next weekend in France.

"We're trying hard, but that must be under conditions that are acceptable to us, starting with the timing," Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul told reporters.

"I don't want to start mentioning a date, otherwise, you'll start calling me that day," he added. "But I have a date, they know the date, but we are not talking about Austria. Austria, we won't be here, and they will be talking directly to Honda. They wanted an offer, we've made an offer, that offer has to be accepted in the next few days.

"I guess they have all the information that they need now," he continued, "and I don't see why they are going to further delay the decision.

"As per the regulations, the deadline was May 15, and then we accepted to extend that a little bit on the back of 12 years of good collaboration. But past a certain point, the offer we made, and that they requested, will not stand. It was Montreal that they wanted to wait for: our new spec, Honda's new spec. They have all the information, I see no absolutely no reason to delay that any further."

Asked if Renault might allow Red Bull until the end of the month to make its decision, Abiteboul insisted: "I don't think so, simply because we need to source the components.''

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by TokyoAussie, 13/06/2018 4:52

"If I were Red Bull, it's a no-brainer. Stick with Renault.
Honda has to come good at some point. Slower than molasses, but must happen eventually, but not this year.
"

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2. Posted by Spindoctor, 12/06/2018 16:03

"Honda looks to be improving, and new PU regs might just see them on parity, or (gulp) suddenly break through.
I wouldn't fancy being in RBR's shoes, but then to melange my metaphors, they made their bed and must lay in it....

From Renault's perspective, being regularly thrashed by a team using your own PU which they consistently slag & deride, pours pours salt in the wound. Maybe it would be better return on their investment if "Renault" gets the credit for whatever success they get with their car\PU."

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3. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 12/06/2018 14:18

"Cannot see any option other than Honda, I think the Renault bridge was burnt long ago."

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4. Posted by imejl99, 12/06/2018 13:39

"It looks like Renault is forcing RB to decide if they want to scrap (good) season after 7 races. I base my opinion on 2 premises, first if going with Honda there is a need to start work on 2019 car; second is that it is highly likely Renault support will be far from perfect for the rest of the season. In this case, I expect drop in performance and results. To add another element in the mix, if results plunge, Ricciardo contract could be easier to agree on? Or to cut ties? Is it possible for RB to scrap 3 - engine, season and driver?

Renault draws first. RB seems to have a bad hand, but I doubt Horner and Marko will blink. Either way, we are in for interesting show."

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Renault hardens on Red Bull engine deadline

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