Renault say they are reviewing all their Formula One options, including quitting the sport or buying the Toro Rosso team, after stinging criticism of their engine.
The French manufacturer has been at loggerheads with main partners Red Bull since Mercedes dominated the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 15.
Despite signs of improvement at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul was pulling no punches.
“I can confirm that we are looking at a lot of options, including getting out of Formula One,” he told reporters.
Renault supply engines to former champions Red Bull and sister team Toro Rosso, their only remaining clients after Caterham folded and Lotus switched to Mercedes.
Toro Rosso principal Franz Tost recognised speculation that Renault could buy his team and said it would be a “fantastic opportunity”.
“The team wants to be established in the future within the top five of the constructors championship and to be owned by a manufacturer would be exactly the step forward which the team needs,” said Tost.