Red Bull Considering Mercedes Engine Deal

Mercedes engines seem to have become a big hit in Formula One, as it seems yet another team is negotiating the terms of a new engine deal with the German manufacturer. As revealed by British magazine AUTOSPORT, it seems Red Bull Racing is considering switching engine suppliers for the 2010 season, as their current deal with Renault is due to expire at the end of 2009.

However, team boss Christian Horner did not dismiss the possibility of the Milton Keynes outfit continuing their collaboration with Renault. This year, as part of the engine deal between the two parties, RBR is also to benefit from the Renault-built Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Horner insisted it's still a long way to go before talking about engine deals for 2010.

“It's way too early to be talking about engines for next year. Hopefully Renault will still be around. The engine is performing well and, having been permitted the equalization adjustments at the end of last year, I think it is comparable with the other engines in F1. You've probably still got Mercedes as the strongest engine, but I don't think the Renault gives anything away to its rivals,” said the British official.

Renault have benefited from an “engine unfreeze” rule by the FIA in the off-season, as they were permitted to update their engine with approximately 30 hp (as part of the performance equalization rule imposed by the international body for 2009).

What Mercedes might offer in exchange would be, apart from the obvious power of their engines, the fact that they are looking to become sole KERS suppliers for the upcoming F1 season. As announced by the FIA, the plan for 2010 is for a single company to build the aforementioned unit. Until now, only BMW and Mercedes have publicly expressed their desire to participate to the bid. Also, having a young talent like Sebastian Vettel - considered the next Schumacher - driving a Mercedes car in F1 is certainly appealing to the German manufacturer.

On the other hand, Renault are believed to be already one step out of Formula 1, as rumored months before the start of this season. The Enstone-based team was presumably searching for a new engine partner earlier this year, as the French manufacturer was believed to pull out their support for the F1 team. Briatore was then rumored to be interested in FIA's new engine offer for 2010, provided by British engine manufacturer Cosworth (standard engine). Although Renault decided to stay in F1 this season, they never denied the thought of quitting the sport in the near future.