Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Renault admits it expects to face challenges managing the expectations high-profile customer Formula 1 teams Red Bull and McLaren in 2018.

Renault has endured a tempestuous relationship with Red Bull during the V6 era, and publicly fell out with Toro Rosso in 2017.

McLaren has joined Renault after three difficult seasons with Honda, during which time it was often publicly critical of its struggling engine partner.

Renault Formula 1 advisor Alain Prost reckons McLaren will put "positive pressure" on the French manufacturer to lift its game in 2018, while Renault F1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul told Autosport the prospect of managing expectations for two former championship-winning teams would be "challenging".

"There is more positive than there is some negative in those relationships, even though I accept it's going to be high maintenance and going to be an interesting season to manage," Abiteboul said.

"It's interesting because it's challenging - but at the same time it's providing motivation to everyone.

"There is clearly pride to be supplying engines to other great teams and their fantastic drivers.

"Also, McLaren has a wealth of experience and can show us the way to push our engine, but also new ways of making sure we have a winning package.

"Frankly I'm looking forward to it. It's good to be in a competitive environment, but it's also good to be challenged."