Red Bull Set for Ferrari Engines, Manor to Use Mercedes Power in 2016
Red Bull is expected to switch to Ferrari engines after talks with Mercedes ended, while Manor prepares to become Mercedes' new customer team for the 2016 Formula One season.
Red Bull Racing is moving towards a deal to use Ferrari engines in the 2016 Formula One season after Mercedes ruled out supplying power units to the team. The decision follows Red Bull's split with Renault, ending a partnership that brought four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships from 2010 to 2013.
Red Bull's discussions with Mercedes reached a dead end after the Daimler board decided against supplying engines to a direct rival. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed to German media that the Mercedes option is now closed, forcing the team to focus on alternatives. Talks between Red Bull and Ferrari representatives took place during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, where both sides indicated a willingness to work together.
Red Bull's engine search after Renault split
Red Bull and its junior team Toro Rosso had relied on Renault power since 2007, but persistent reliability issues and a lack of competitiveness under the V6 hybrid rules led to a breakdown in the relationship. With the 2016 season approaching, Red Bull pressed for clarity on Renault's future in the sport, as speculation grew that Renault would buy out Lotus and return as a works team.
Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene indicated that Ferrari had no objection to supplying engines to Red Bull, despite the risk of strengthening a rival with a proven chassis department. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner acknowledged the urgency of securing a new engine deal, as the team faced a tight timeline to prepare for the following season.
Manor to become Mercedes customer team
With Lotus expected to switch from Mercedes to Renault power as part of Renault's return, Manor is set to take Lotus's place as Mercedes' customer team. This move would see Manor receive current-specification Mercedes power units, potentially improving its competitiveness after a difficult 2015 campaign. Reports in Germany suggested that Mercedes could use Manor as a platform for developing young talent, with DTM driver and F1 reserve Pascal Wehrlein tipped for a race seat.
- Red Bull: Likely to use Ferrari engines for 2016.
- Toro Rosso: Also expected to switch to Ferrari power.
- Manor: Set to become Mercedes customer team, taking over from Lotus.
- Lotus: Expected to be acquired by Renault and revert to Renault power.
