Red Bull have announced they will continue to use Renault engines next season, but with the power unit branded TAG Heuer, after the team’s new timing partner. Their 2016 car will thus be known as the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.
Red Bull’s new deal with the famed watchmakers, who are ending their long-term relationship with McLaren, sees TAG Heuer become the team’s Official Timekeeper, Official Watch Partner and Team Performance Partner.
“TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently, and this unique collaboration is further evidence of that,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
“TAG Heuer has been an icon in the world of Formula One for many years and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen to continue their association with the sport by teaming up with us. Our shared values of innovation and a desire to stand out from the crowd make this one of the most exciting partnerships in F1.”
The news means Red Bull will start a tenth season using Renault power, despite the difficult relations between the two parties this year. Having taken four consecutive championship doubles together between 2010-13, they only finished fourth in this year’s constructors’ standings.
“We are also pleased to see Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for their contribution to the team since 2007,” continued Horner. “Their technical partnership with Ilmor gives us confidence, and we look forward to the 2016 season.”
Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer and President of the LVMH Watch Division, added: “Formula One is deeply-rooted in TAG Heuer's DNA, and Red Bull Racing is a young, dynamic and driven team, which perfectly fits with our marketing strategy. It will give TAG Heuer great visibility and allow us to make our partnership exciting, different and innovative. Our motto #DontCrackUnderPressure will be the guiding principle behind all our actions with the support of the Red Bull Racing team and its highly contagious enthusiasm.”
Red Bull’s announcement comes just hours after Renault confirmed that they will return as a Formula One works squad next season, having almost completed their takeover of the Lotus team.
