Drivers will be penalised if they use more than three power units across the long 21-race season according to the rules that have changed over the winter.

By accepting the penalty, Renault can allow its teams to use 4 engines

“Because the engine life is longer, it slows down the development,” said boss Cyril Abiteboul.

Renault can introduce more developments by using 4 engines so that the driver will use the same engine for serveral times.

“The balance between reliability and development for more power is incredibly hard to find,” Abiteboul added.

Renault customer Red Bul likes this idea.

“If you strategically plan the penalties, you will not lose so much,” said Dr Helmut Marko.

“We started from the back in Monza last year and finished fourth.”

Designer Adrian Newey agrees: “If you’re a racer, you’d plan with four engines. Because the benefits are greater than the disadvantages.”

McLaren boss Eric Boullier said: “We will do what is best for us.

“First of all we will see where we are and then decide, but the question of three or four engines is definitely up for debate.”

However, it seems that Mercedes and Ferrari will not adopt the same four-engine approach.

“A penalty means you lose a race and that can cost you the title,” said engine boss Andy Cowell.