Ferrari Signals Openness to Supplying Engines to Red Bull
Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne confirms talks over supplying Red Bull with 2015-spec power units, but rules out offering current works engines for the 2016 Formula One season.
Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that the Italian marque is willing to supply Red Bull Racing with Formula One engines for 2016, but only on terms that protect Ferrari’s competitive interests. Talks are underway about a possible deal to provide 2015-specification power units, rather than the latest engines used by the works team.
Red Bull’s search for a competitive engine supplier intensified after its relationship with Renault soured and both Mercedes and Honda ruled out supplying the team. Ferrari had previously appeared to align with its rivals in declining to offer Red Bull an engine deal, but Marchionne’s remarks at the Finali Mondiali event at Mugello suggest a partial reversal. He made clear that while Ferrari is open to supporting Red Bull, it will not provide engines identical to those used by its own cars.
No works engines for rivals
Marchionne stated that any supply to Red Bull would be a separate project, distinct from the works team’s engine programme. Italian media reports that the same arrangement is being considered for Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s junior squad, with both teams potentially running year-old engines in 2016. This would leave Ferrari’s main F1 rivals using less advanced hardware, preserving the factory team’s technical edge.
Marchionne also indicated that Formula One Management, led by Bernie Ecclestone, is involved in the discussions. He described the potential supply as a “different project”, hinting at a broader solution for customer teams struggling to secure competitive power units. The arrangement could extend beyond Red Bull, with Ferrari open to supplying other teams on similar terms.
Red Bull’s technical ambitions
Speculation around the paddock suggests Red Bull may seek greater technical freedom with any Ferrari supply deal. Reports indicate the team could run its own energy recovery system alongside the Ferrari internal combustion engine and turbo, allowing Red Bull to tailor the hybrid system to its chassis. Such a configuration would require agreement from both Ferrari and the FIA, and could see the engines branded under a different name, such as Maserati or Alfa Romeo, though no official confirmation has emerged.
- Red Bull Racing: Potential customer for 2015 Ferrari engines in 2016.
- Toro Rosso: Junior team also likely to use year-old Ferrari power units.
- Formula One Management: Involved in brokering a solution for engine supply.
Customer engine pricing dispute
Marchionne also defended Ferrari’s use of its FIA veto to block proposals for capping the price of customer engines. He argued that forcing manufacturers to subsidise rival teams would be unsustainable given the high costs of developing modern hybrid power units. The debate over engine supply and pricing remains a central issue in F1’s ongoing struggle to balance competition and costs.
As of November 2015, no formal deal has been announced, but Ferrari’s willingness to re-engage with Red Bull marks a shift from the previous hard line taken by the leading engine manufacturers. The outcome will shape the competitive order for the 2016 F1 season and could influence how customer teams are supported in future.
