The relationship between Red Bull and Renault has been somewhat deteriorating over the past few years.

In 2014 Helmut Marko claimed that Renault persistently disappointed despite promising much and a switch from Renault to Honda engines for the 2019 campaign by Red Bull did nothing to repair their bond.

The sly digs took another turn recently, with Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul stating that Renault had played a major part in all areas of the success of the Red Bull team.

“We were extremely happy and Renault has contributed to making Red Bull what it is today by winning four championships in a row,” Abiteboul informed Autosport.

“From a financial perspective with sponsors, from a technology perspective with talent, recruitment, Red Bull is what it is today thanks also to Renault.”

These comments seem to have struck a nerve with Marko, with the 76-year-old now stating that Red Bull’s former driver Daniel Ricciardo was persuaded by lies to join Renault.

“Renault is good at (showing data),” Marko told Motorsport-Total. “They showed us charts over and over again, showing the engine will be massive next year.

“He (Ricciardo) will have just believed it.”

Ricciardo surprised the racing world when he announced that he would be joining Renault on a two year contract worth $49 million per annum last August.

While it is still early days, it has not exactly gone to plan for the 29-year-old since the start of the season.

The Aussie currently sits in 13th position in the drivers’ standings with only six points, having only finished one grand prix from the first four.

Now Marko’s comments will have cranked the pressure up on the Perth-born driver, as attention is turned to the Spanish Grand Prix.

Both Ricciardo and Renault will be hoping they can turn it around, not only for themselves, but also to prove Marko and Red Bull wrong.