Abiteboul: We stopped reading what Horner says since 2015

Verstappen's radio rant directed at their engine supplier was echoed by Red Bull chief Christian Horner who lamented another wasted opportunity as he watched Verstappen park his powerless car he said live on Sky TV: "It is frustrating, that is what it is. I will let Cyril come up with his excuses afterwards."

True to form Abiteboul hit back, first laying the blame squarely on Red Bull themselves and has followed that up with his own swipe at his Red Bull counterpart.

"Our bosses have stopped reading what Christian Horner is saying about us since 2015," insisted Abiteboul. "It's very clear that we don't want to have any dealings with them any more. It's very clear it's done."

"They will have their engine partner that will be paying a helluva money to get their product on board, and I wish them good luck. I have nothing else to say," added Abiteboul in reference to the Honda deal Red Bull have struck for next year and beyond.

The bitter animosity that has developed since 2014 between the two parties has generated many interesting and often amusing headlines. A split nearly happened a couple of years ago but without an engine supplier willing to partner the energy drinks outfit, the FIA stepped in to ensure Renault remained as their supplier.

Notably, before the current hybrid turbo era, the partnership was unbeatable during a four-year spell in which together they bagged eight Formula 1 world titles.

With nine races remaining, the partnership is already in tatters and it is going to be intriguing to witness how it will degenerate even further until they finally split for good after the season finale in Abu Dhabi on 25tNovemberer. Watch this space!