SEPANG, Malaysia -- French automaker Renault, which supplies engines to the Red Bull and Toro Rosso teams, says it is considering pulling out of Formula One due to the damage done to its reputation after a very difficult start to the new season.
Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of Renault Sport F1, said Friday; "I can confirm we are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula One if it's bad for Renault's reputation."
Abiteboul also said Renault was speaking to interested parties amid reports it is considering buying an existing F1 team and becoming a race constructor again.
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost revealed the Italy-based team would be receptive to an offer, saying "this would be a fantastic opportunity for Toro Rosso to make the next step forward."