James Key: Renault has recovered very effectively

In the aftermath of a finger pointing weekend in Australia, Renault appear to have made a major step forward in Malaysia with Toro Rosso rookies Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz finishing seventh and eighth respectively, and beating the 'big brother' team Red Bull.

Toro Rosso technical director James Key declared afterwards, "I have to say Renault has made a massive step compared to Melbourne. There were issues at Melbourne that affected us."

"There was some driveability issues and so on [in Melbourne] but [Renault] has made a really good effort to give us something in Malaysia that the drivers are really happy with. It's still not perfect, but it's a lot better than the first race."

"We need that performance because Ferrari has made that step forward and Mercedes are strong. But I think after a tricky weekend in Melbourne, Renault has recovered very effectively," added Key.

These comments have emerged amid a major spat between Red bull and Renault over who is too blame for the sub-standard performance that former world champion team has endured since the start of the season.

Red Bull bosses were quick to lay the blame on the door of Renault, but the French manufacturer retaliated by questioning the effectiveness of the RB11 chassis. Things turned ugly as accusations flew in all directions from both camps.

In Malaysia it appears that the feud has cooled with both Red Bull and Renault agreeing to shoulder arms as they work together to resolve the issues that have negatively afflicted their partnership.

Remi Taffin, Renault’s F1 operations director, predicted, "For us, the season actually began in Malaysia. By China, Red Bull will have solved its problems, and then the fun begins."

Meanwhile Toro Rosso have quietly got on with their business and as a result, despite the inexperience of two rookies in their cars, have outshone Red Bull in both races so far this season.