Red Bull confirms 2016 Formula One entry as engine talks near close
Christian Horner says Red Bull Racing has formally entered the 2016 Formula One championship, ending speculation over the team's future amid protracted engine negotiations.
Red Bull Racing has formally lodged its entry for the 2016 Formula One world championship, team principal Christian Horner confirmed at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The move ends months of speculation that the team could withdraw from the sport after a breakdown in relations with engine partner Renault and failed talks with alternative suppliers.
Horner told the BBC at Interlagos that Red Bull has submitted its entry for next season, signalling that the team expects to resolve its engine supply issues. The entry comes after repeated warnings from Red Bull that it could leave Formula One if it could not secure a competitive power unit for 2016.
Red Bull's future was thrown into doubt after it became clear that neither Mercedes nor Ferrari would supply current-specification engines to the team for 2016. Talks with both manufacturers stalled, leaving Red Bull and its junior team Toro Rosso without a confirmed power unit supplier as the season neared its end.
Engine supply arrangements for 2016
According to reports, Toro Rosso is set to run 2015-spec Ferrari power units next year, while the senior Red Bull team is expected to continue with Renault-based engines. The power units may be rebranded as Infiniti, reflecting the team's previous title sponsorship arrangement.
Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull's lead driver, hinted at a renewed deal with Renault, pointing to the debut of Renault's latest engine upgrade in Brazil. Ricciardo said Renault had promised a small performance gain, which could influence the team's direction for 2016.
The situation remains complicated by Renault's own plans to return to full works status in Formula One by acquiring the Lotus team. At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Lotus staff were temporarily locked out of the paddock due to unpaid bills, with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone reportedly stepping in to cover the costs. Renault's acquisition of Lotus has not yet been finalised, adding further uncertainty to the engine supply picture for both Red Bull teams.
What it means for Red Bull and Toro Rosso
By entering the 2016 championship, Red Bull has removed the immediate threat of withdrawal, allowing the team to continue preparations for next season. Toro Rosso's participation is also expected, provided the Ferrari supply is confirmed. Both teams have yet to announce final engine arrangements, but Horner said he hopes to confirm plans before the end of the season.
The driver line-up for both Red Bull and Toro Rosso in 2016 has not been formally confirmed. Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen both indicated they expect to stay at Toro Rosso, though neither gave an absolute guarantee.
- Red Bull Racing: Entered for 2016 F1 season, engine supplier to be confirmed.
- Toro Rosso: Expected to run 2015 Ferrari engines, entry pending final agreement.
- Renault: Pursuing Lotus acquisition, engine supply for Red Bull under negotiation.
- Lotus: Awaiting Renault takeover, faced operational issues at Interlagos.
Further announcements on engine supply and driver line-ups are expected before the end of the 2015 season as teams finalise preparations for 2016.
