The ending relationship between Scuderia Toro Rosso and Renault Sport has become sour just 2 weeks before the end of the season. Renault's Cyril Abiteboul and Toro Rosso's Franz Tost have made it no secret who they believe is to blame for the situation.
Franz Tost was more pleased that he would not have to work with Renault in the coming year - and over Fernando Alonso's eighth place in the current Honda-fueled McLaren: "It's fantastic, I have Mr. Hasegawa (Honda project manager; Red.) Immediately congratulated, because it was great work. "
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Honda ran Esso fuel and Mobil 1 lubricants during its first two seasons with McLaren, but the American brand switched allegiance to Red Bull for 2017.
As a result, McLaren-Honda did a deal to run Castrol/BP products for this campaign.
Toro Rosso ran Esso and Mobil products in 2017, falling into line with senior team Red Bull.
It was unclear whether Honda would continue with Castrol/BP on joining Toro Rosso or return to ExxonMobil.
But it is believed both sides were keen to pursue an arrangement with ExxonMobil, following past experience and recent rate of development.
Red Bull has been pleased with the gains Esso has made this season, with the team suggesting its latest upgrade delivered a performance improvement worth one grid slot depending on the circuit.
The supplier is aiming to introduce three fuel upgrades across next season as well as a series of lubricant improvements.
