Infiniti to Sponsor Red Bull F1

The alliance between French group Renault and Japanese manufacturer Nissan is expanding into the motor sports world, after the luxury division of the latter, Infiniti, announced that it would become the sponsor of the Red Bull Racing reigning Drivers and Constructors champions.

With Infiniti as a sponsor and Renault as an engine supplier, Red Bull Racing is planning for yet another great season. For now, the luxury auto maker will limit itself at displaying its colors and livery (in exchange for what the insiders say will be an EUR11 million a season deal) on the racing car, drivers’ clothing and related team uniforms and equipment (Renault's logo will stick to the engine covers and drivers' visors.

In the future, however (the contract has been signed for the following two seasons), Infiniti does not rule out any possibilities, saying it might even try some future technical collaboration with Red Bull Racing and Renault.

Red Bull, the main partner of the team for several seasons now, will not lose the right to name the team. In fact, say the parties involved, it was the energy-drink maker that helped the deal come together.

“Over the mid-term, Infiniti will be simultaneously expanding its global presence and broadening its product range," said Andy Palmer, Infiniti vice president.

“Given these twin ambitions, it is clear that Formula One offers us an unrivalled global communications platform, complementing Infiniti’s ethos of Inspired Performance. We are excited to have the opportunity to enter Formula One together with a world-class team like Red Bull Racing Renault.”