Red Bull Hint at Future VW Engine F1 Deal

Red Bull Racing will continue to use Renault power until the new engine regulations will debut in Formula One in 2013, but from that point onwards is unlikely that the partnership will go on. And that's because German carmaker Volkswagen has shown an increased interest in a potential F1 programme recently and, in case there's some truth to that, their most likely partners they'll choose in terms of engine supply would be the Austrian team.

The two companies are closely aligned in other important motor racing series worldwide, the most visible of which is cross-country rallying (added the famous Dakar Rally team, whose Touaregs benefit from Red Bull branding). And, according to a recent statement from Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, an “interesting” partnership is waiting just around the corner.

“We are on stand-by for an interesting partnership,” he said, while also forwarding the idea of Red Bull developing its own units starting 2013. “And even the idea of developing our own engine, I think, is no longer so absurd.”

Of course, in case that second option becomes viable, Red Bull would have to start a whole new department, along with complex development plans and so on. But then again, it's not our business to ask. However, considering the costs involved in setting up such an operation, we'd be inclined to believe that Red Bull would rather push for a VW partnership than go for an F1 engine programme of their own.

“It is important to keep all the options open,” team principal Christian Horner was quoted as saying to Austrian website laola1.at. “This is one of Mr Mateschitz's great strengths. With Didi's vision, anything is possible,” he added in reference to a potential VW deal, hinting that Red Bull plans for a long, fruitful and, more importantly, complex stay in F1.