Renault faces tough decision over 2017 F1 focus

Renault faces its "most difficult decision" over when to stop developing its underperforming 2016 Formula 1 car and plough its resources into 2017, according to team ambassador Alain Prost.

Six grands prix into its return as a works outfit in F1, Renault has so far managed to get just one car into the top 10, lying ninth in the constructors' title race with only point-less Sauber and Manor below it.
Prior to the start of the season Renault top brass made clear this year would be a struggle, but with Red Bull showing the competitiveness of the French firm's improved engine, the works team's deficiencies lie in the chassis.

The question for the likes of managing director Cyril Abiteboul and technical director Bob Bell is at what point to give up on trying to upgrade the chassis, and instead fully focus on the major regulation changes for 2017.

Asked by Autosport where the team should place its resources, four-time F1 champion Prost said: "I think that may be the most difficult decision to take.

"Given where they are in terms of the chassis, which is obviously not very good, you have a good reason to say 'OK, we stop development and we go to '17'.

Six F1 races coming up over the next eight weeks

Formula 1 is poised to begin one of the most intense periods in its history with six races to be staged over the next eight weeks, starting with next Sunday's Canadian GP.

The Montreal event will be followed immediately by the inaugural European GP at Baku, with the teams given just four days to cross back over the Atlantic, return to Europe and arrive in the capital of Azerbaijan.