F1: Renault Dumps Fuel Supplier Total for BP and Castrol

French manufacturer and Formula One mainstay Renault have confirmed the speculation over the past months that they will be changing their fuel supplier.

Man, Total had a bit of an interesting 2016. They’re all in, then they’re not so sure, now it’s up for deliberation, etc. They’re like that one friend you want to make plans with, but can never really be sure of it they’ll show or not.

Renault Sport Racing announce BP and Castrol as new partner 👉 https://t.co/nmpwLIumoN
💛💚 #GreenIsTheColour 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/J3nwocXDLd

— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) January 26, 2017

Well, it looks like Renault has taken some well-needed reflection and decided to axe their involvement with Total. The French team are taking a much more diplomatic approach in their explanation for the switch than I have, are citing the recent change to F1 engines in 2017 as their primary reason for the swap.

Renault’s managing director Cyril Abiteboul had this to say:

“With the new aerodynamic regulations for the 2017 Formula 1 season, power sensitivity will increase. Therefore fuels and lubricants will make an even greater difference to the overall performance of the car than they have since the new power unit regulations have been introduced in 2014.” – Cyril Abiteboul

Much less entertaining to read, but also clearly much more forward thinking. Oh well. You can’t have it all.

Interestingly enough, Renault has named both BP and Castrol as their supplies. It looks as if their experience with only a sole provider has taught them some valuable lessons.

“I always prefer simplicity because we have enough complexity to absorb, so it is better if it is only one. But there are a number of engine suppliers who have been very successful in the past with two homologations. I would say also having two creates diversity, creates competition, creates inspiration – just like having different customer teams, Red Bull is a great inspiration for Enstone and a benchmark.” – Cyril Abiteboul

Now there’s a way to make lemonade when life dishes you lemons. Make them compete for your benefit.

Hmm… brb trying this out on my interpersonal relationships.