Abiteboul: Red Bull are "manipulating data"

A hidden battle is bound to roll on between Renault and Red Bull throughout next year. Following all the Red Bull jubilations of late, Cyril Abiteboul is confident the Austrian team are "manipulating data" in order to make it feel and look rosy.

After a long-term partnership, Red Bull decided to part ways with Renault and move to Honda. They believe the Honda engine will give them the World Championship within a couple of seasons as they aim to make Max Verstappen the youngest ever champion.

However, Renault's boss is certain his team will finish no further behind them in 2019.

"Honda is still 20 kilowatts behind us. I know what Red Bull says but they're hiding the facts and manipulating the data. I understand their communication strategy, but there are no facts," Abiteboul told Spain's Marca.

Helmut Marko entered his right of reply as he continued to talk the talk. He branded Abiteboul as a "daydreamer."