(Infiniti Red Bull F1)
Red Bull confirmed today that it will be running a “TAG” branded Renault engine for the 2016 F1 season, the first and most obvious result of the team’s new partnership with title sponsor, Tag Heuer. The news comes just 24 hours after engine supplier Renault officially announced its return as a factory team for the 2016 season.
Red Bull was forced to renegotiate a deal with the engine supplier after a difficult season that saw numerous DNFs, and going over its season limit of four engines for both of its cars. Originally it had opted out of the final year of its contract, but was unable to secure an engine from Mercedes, Ferrari or Honda.
What this means is Red Bull will still be able to make use of Renault’s technology and resources, which should benefit through an updated and increased engine development partnership with Ilmor Engineering for 2016.
TAG previously appeared on the Porsche turbo engines that powered McLarens from 1983 to 1987, including driver championships for Niki Lauda and Alan Prost in 1984, ’85, and ’86.